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WILLAMETTE WEEK PORTLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY
“I WAS SO PISSED I THREW THE THING IN THE FREEZER.” P. 3 1 wweek.com
VOL 39/13 01.30.2013
Portland needs to make big spending cuts. New Mayor Charlie Hales is swinging the ax.
RETURN OF CHUCKY By Aaron Mesh | Page 13
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A n d r e w Z u b k o ; w w w. z u b k o . c o m
NEWS Randy Leonard’s illegal sauna. FOOD UNDERSTANDING AVA GENE’S. STAGE COMEDIC TRAGEDY AT HOLIDAY INN.
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STAFF Editor-in-Chief Mark Zusman EDITORIAL Managing Editor for News Brent Walth Arts & Culture Editor Martin Cizmar Staff Writers Andrea Damewood, Nigel Jaquiss, Aaron Mesh Copy Chief Rob Fernas Copy Editors Matt Buckingham, Peggy Capps Stage & Screen Editor Rebecca Jacobson Music Editor Matthew Singer Books Penelope Bass Classical Brett Campbell Dance Heather Wisner Theater Rebecca Jacobson Visual Arts Richard Speer Editorial Interns Erin Fenner, Matthew Kauffman, Mitch Lillie, Michael Munkvold, Enid Spitz
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Tina Kotek and John Kitzhaber are so clearly on the wrong side of history on this one [“Pay Up or Shut Up,” WW, Jan. 23, 2012]. Neither of them can call themselves an environmentalist ever again. This massive highway expansion is a joke and huge waste of money, not to mention the worst project for the Northwest’s environment to be conceived of in years. It is so clear that the only backers of this are folks who will make money off of it (consultants) or who lack any political courage (Kotek/Kitzhaber). “Jacob” I don’t understand why only the proponents are allowed to conduct rebranding. Is it because the opponents are too lame? Why don’t we call this what it is? The Columbia Double-Crossing. “Mitch Gould” An equal split on the cost, between Oregon and Washington, is not acceptable. The bridge is primarily used by people living in Vancouver and working in the Portland metro area. Funding should be 85 percent Washington’s responsibility. “Skullbrain”
PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING
To measure the merit of public financing of City Council candidates, we must look at Amanda Fritz’s voting record during her first four-year term [Voter-Owned Redux,” WW, Jan. 23, 2013]. Was it significantly different than the other members of the council? If so, then maybe public
I watch exactly one football game per year, the Super Bowl, and I have no idea whom to root for. Is there any reason for an Oregonian to prefer one side over the other? The Seahawks aren’t playing, right? —The Young Poet
You know how I can tell you’re not kidding? Real football fans never ask “whom” to root for. “I pray you, good sir: For whom shall I root in this sporting contest? And thruppence-worth of your finest nachos forthwith!” That said, young Joseph Ducreux (Google it), I’m pretty much right there with you. In the unlikely event that anyone with actual knowledge of the game of football is still reading this, you can probably stop now. For the rest of us, here’s a brief-yet-helpful guide for picking sides in a sport you don’t care about. First, find out if the New York Yankees are playing. If they are, root against them. In this case, after a few quick phone calls I’ve determined they’re not. You’re welcome. 4
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
financing of City Council candidates deserves another look. If not, which I believe is the case, then the experiment failed and should be left to rest in peace. “Richard Ellmyer” I just bought myself half a pack of gum with my 68 cents, and am now chewing it while I watch moneyed interests buy candidates. “Wally”
PORTLAND’S NEW COPS CZAR
Well he does seem promising, and the man’s background can certainly be appreciated [“Hotseat: Baruti Artharee,” WW, Jan. 23, 2013]. Unlike [Police Association president] Daryl Turner, let’s hope Artharee doesn’t forget where he came from.
THE JOYS OF CURLING
I went the to Evergreen Curling Club and tried a learn-to-curl class, and it was hilarious [“Stone Cold,” WW, Jan. 23, 2013]. Fun, welcoming people who love their sport and love to have a good time. This might be the only Olympic sport that I still have a chance at. They also have a great ustream.tv channel so you can watch their tournaments. “Bob” LETTERS TO THE EDITOR must include the author’s street address and phone number for verification. Letters must be 250 or fewer words. Submit to: 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Fax: (503) 243-1115. Email: mzusman@wweek.com.
Next, find out who your least-favorite coworker is pulling for (let’s face it, what are the chances that guy’s not a football fan?) and back the other side. In Portland, this probably means you’ll be siding with the Baltimore Ravens. Also, they’ll probably be wearing purple, which is a nice color. But you’re looking for a specifically hometown-ish way to pick your team. Maybe some of the players are from Oregon. All props to The Oregonian; it has been tracking this possibility all season in something called the “sports section.” It appears that two of the Ravens’ players, Ed Dickson and Haloti Ngata, and two players for the San Francisco 49ers, LaMichael James and Will Tukuafu, played college ball for the Ducks. So there’s no edge. Frankly, I still think your best bet is to root against Larry from accounting. God, I hate that guy. QUESTIONS? Send them to dr.know@wweek.com
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CITY HALL: Randy Leonard feels no heat for ignoring the rules. BUSINESS: Why is the city subsidizing a church-related bar? HOTSEAT: Portland Police Association president Daryl Turner. PORTLAND INDEX: Putting the sting back in parking tickets. COVER STORY: An inside look at City Hall under a new mayor.
7 8 9 11 13
HOSE FLUSHING, GHOST TRAINS AND A NIKE SHOCKER.
Portland’s new eastside streetcar is earning the nickname “Ghost Train” for how few riders the line gets. The city is now seeking proposals to install automated passengercounting systems in six of its streetcars, including the eastside Central Loop line and busier westside lines. The city currently pays eastside streetcar TriMet to conduct a census of streetcar ridership, but it can’t afford to get stop-by-stop numbers. No word yet whether blogger Jack Bogdanski—who frequently documents eastside streetcars traveling empty—has put in a bid.
THRee6OHCHRIS/CC
Mayor Charlie Hales has used post-election fundraising to pay off $100,000 in loans he made to his own campaign. But another high-profile campaign—Portlanders for Schools, which successfully promoted a $482 million bond issue for Portland Public Schools—is still $46,000 in the red, including $19,500 it owes consultant Jon Isaacs’ former company. PPS Superintendent Carole Smith recently hired Isaacs as a $115,000-a-year senior policy advisor. He says the campaign’s contributions cratered after polling showed it would pass easily. A fundraiser is now working to pay off the deficit. A former Nike employee has filed a shocking lawsuit, alleging unsafe working conditions for electricians at the apparel giant’s Beaverton headquarters. Douglas Ossanna’s $985,000 suit in Multnomah County Circuit Court claims apprentice elecnike campus tricians were not supervised, and that two contract electricians were shocked while working on improperly wired lights in Nike World HQ’s Tiger Woods Conference Center. Ossanna claims Nike retaliated when he complained to the Oregon Occupational Health & Safety Division—and forced him to resign Jan. 9 for shooting baskets on one of Nike’s courts while he was off the clock. A Nike spokesman declined to comment. Read more Murmurs and daily scuttlebutt. 6
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
SAM CHuRCHILL / CC
The Portland Bureau of Transportation has spent $3.8 million in the past year—that’s 19 percent of all parking-meter revenues—to clean up TriMet’s transit mall, pay off the mall’s debt, and create marketing campaigns to lure more shoppers downtown. The expenses included $331,000 for “hose flushing” the transit mall twice a week. City Auditor LaVonne Griffin-Valade revealed this finding in a Jan. 30 audit, which points to many pressing transportation needs and chides the City Council for launching new projects without money to pay for them. WW broke news of the audit three weeks ago (“A Fork in the Road,” WW, Jan. 9, 2013). One example: Mayor Sam Adams’ $16 million commitment to build sidewalks in neighborhoods that lack them. The audit says the city counted on gas-tax revenues that didn’t come in as projected—and then “opted to reduce other transportation programs in the adopted budget rather than reduce funding for these new capital commitments for sidewalks.”
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NEWS
DOUBLE STANDARD? NO SWEAT. EX-COMMISSIONER RANDY LEONARD RELISHED BUSTING BUSINESSES FOR CODE VIOLATIONS. HIS OWN SAUNA, THOUGH, WAS OFF-LIMITS. By nig e l jaq ui ss
njaquiss@wweek.com
Former City Commissioner Randy Leonard was a stickler for the rules when it came to safety—especially when it meant cracking down on properties that didn’t follow city codes. But Leonard’s commitment to code compliance didn’t extend to his own house, which he has been trying to sell for several months. Leonard served 25 years as a firefighter, nine years as a Democratic state lawmaker from Portland, and more than 10 as a commissioner. A landmark 1997 bill he sponsored beefed up requirements for smoke alarms in new Oregon homes, a policy Leonard called his greatest legislative accomplishment. As city commissioner, Leonard oversaw the Bureau of Development Services, which issues permits and performs building-code inspections. But Leonard took the job further than anyone has in years. He created what he called the Housing Interdiction Team—or the HIT team, as it became known—made up of employees from Development Services and the Police and Fire bureaus. Leonard first used his HIT team against slumlords, and then noncompliant downtown businesses, such as Cindy’s Adult Bookstore and the Greek Cusina.
Leonard’s team drove both Cindy’s and the Greek out of business. He later targeted food carts in 2010. He noted that carts in two downtown pods had added decks and patios and had inspectors go after them. Leonard was such a stickler for code enforcement that he even deputized Water Bureau employees to compile a list of companies violating the city’s sign code. Leonard is now trying to sell his 3,900-square-foot house, which he purchased in 2004, in outer Southeast’s Pleasant Valley neighborhood. Soon after leaving office four weeks ago, Leonard wrote to a former subordinate in the Bureau of Development Services that he needed his help. “My first week of retirement has been busy,” Leonard wrote in a Jan. 3 email WW obtained under a publicrecords request. “I agreed to a purchase price on my house Christmas Eve and got the inspection report back from the buyers.” “The sauna in the basement did not get permitted when it was built,” Leonard added. “I need to get it legalized as a condition of the sale.” Leonard was already having trouble unloading the house. Records show he purchased the home for $462,000 and borrowed to make improvements, leaving him with a $506,000 mortgage as of December 2010. Records show Leonard struck a deal with the buyer for $399,000, far below what he owes and his original asking price of $439,000. On four previous occasions when the house was for sale, the brokers’ listings made no mention of a sauna in the home, including when Leonard bought it. But when Leonard listed the house on the market last
summer, accompanying photographs showed a handsomely appointed sauna. City codes require permits and inspections for saunas. As Leonard acknowledges in his email, his didn’t get either. WW called Leonard to ask him about the sauna. The normally chatty Leonard said he didn’t want to talk. “I’m retired,” Leonard says. “I don’t do interviews anymore.” When asked specifically whether the sauna was in the house when he bought it or he had it installed, Leonard replied, “It was nice talking to you,” and hung up. The city can fine residents who perform unpermitted work on their homes or even force them to undo that work. If the work meets code, inspectors often approve it. So what happened with Leonard’s sauna? The recipient of Leonard’s email, Jim Nicks, inspection services manager at Development Services, immediately put one of his top men on the job. “I’m asking Joe Botkin…to work with you on permitting the sauna,” Nicks wrote Leonard in a Jan. 4 email. “If it’s only a pre-fab unit, it may only need an electrical permit.” Botkin was an ally of Leonard’s, serving as one of four primary members of the HIT team that shut down Cindy’s and the Greek Cusina. Botkin didn’t respond to a call from WW. “Oh, my God!” said Ted Papas, whose Greek Cusina closed under city pressure in 2010, when told Leonard had an unpermitted sauna in his home. “Code compliance was the tool he used to put me out of business.” Papas admits he made alterations to his business without proper permits. He is suing the City of Portland in federal court, however, alleging the city pursued a vendetta against him. Papas says Leonard is a hypocrite, who skirted city code to save himself a few dollars. “Whatever Randy Leonard did was for himself, not for anybody else,” Papas says. “He speaks in public one way, but when he goes home his thoughts are about how to help Randy Leonard.” Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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business V. K A P O O R
NEWS
PUB FINANCING: Ryan Saari says he hopes to open the Oregon Public House at 700 NE Dekum St. in February. He still needs money for plates and pint glasses.
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Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
THE CITY IS SUBSIDIZING A CHURCHAFFILIATED BAR THAT PLANS TO GIVE AWAY ALL ITS PROFITS. by matt kau ffma n and
aa R On mesH
243-2122
Stop us if you’ve heard this one: A bureaucrat, a preacher and The New York Times walk into a bar. The punch line? The Times’ glowing story Jan. 20 revealing that the Portland Development Commission had given a minister more than $50,000 in grants to open a nonprofit bar in North Portland’s Dekum Triangle. The feel-good story described a national trend of bars giving all their profits to charity. But this subsidy comes as PDC’s budget is in free fall and hundreds of Portland bars scrape by without city aid. You might wonder why newbie publicans should get to steer what is effectively public money to unspecified nonprofits. “It seems like a peculiar use of public resources,” says City Commissioner Steve Novick. “Economic development efforts should be focused on traded-sector industries. The restaurant industry is one with a really high failure rate.” Let’s answer some pressing questions: Where does the PDC get off, giving $50,000 to a bar? Actually, it’s $56,403. And not all of it went to the bar. The PDC, a city agency, gave the Oregon Public House $34,810 of public money from its storefront improvement program. It added another $21,593 in public funds from the green features grant program to rehabilitate the 1909 building that contains the bar, a secondfloor ballroom and a day-care center. What did the money pay for? The storefront improvement grant went to
installing new windows, lighting, signs and an awning. The green features grant bought insulation, new heating and air-conditioning units and a water heater. Is this the first bar the PDC has funded? No. In the past five years, it’s given grants to a swath of restaurants—including Burnside Brewing Company, Bunk Bar, a McMenamins in the South Park Blocks, and the New Copper Penny in Lents. How much did this bar’s owners chip in? Their 2011 Oregon Liquor Control Commission application shows Ryan Saari, one of three partners in the business, paid $4,500. How much money has the bar raised from other donors? Saari says it’s between $100,000 and $150,000. He’s not exactly sure. “This is my lack of ability to keep track of these things,” he says. What’s the religious angle? Saari is pastor of the Oregon Community, a Foursquare church that rents the upstairs ballroom on Sundays. Another pub director, Charlie Sattgast, is also a minister there. The third partner, Ed Heissler, has no affiliation with the church. The PDC gave money to a church to open a bar? Well, the church’s website says the two are connected: “The Oregon Community is proud to be in partnership with the nation’s first nonprofit pub.” Saari says no. “In legal terms, there’s no connection,” he says. “There’s people in the church that have been involved, but there’s a lot of people who aren’t involved with the church.” Does anyone at the PDC attend this church? Saari says Stephen Green, a business analyst with the PDC who advised the owners, goes to Oregon Community services. Green alerted the bar’s partners of the grants’ existence. PDC officials say Green played no role in awarding the grants. How will the PDC monitor whether proceeds go to charity? It won’t. “What they spend their profits on is not really a criterion in our approval,” says John Jackley, director of business and social equity at PDC. “I expect the community will be watching.”
public safety
DARYL TURNER
NEWS
v. k a p o o r
THE PORTLAND POLICE UNION BOSS TALKS ABOUT THE NEW ORDER IN CITY HALL. Hales is keeping Chief Mike Reese on the job—is that good or bad news? Reese and I came into our jobs with a lot on our plates: The Frashour case was just starting to build up and there were contract negotiations. We have a great relationship. We always understand that whether we agree or disagree is because of our jobs, not our personal relationship. Your union has challenged the U.S. Department of Justice settlement in court. Why? We haven’t been a part of that agreement, or privy to some of the information that was privy to that agreement. We needed to be, and we weren’t. That’s why we filed a motion to intervene with the federal court.
GrowinG the ranks: “we have to find out if our leaders are willing to invest in public safety, in more officers,” says Portland Police association president Daryl turner, as the city and police union get ready to start contract negotiations in February. by aN D R e a Da M e WOO D adamewood@wweek.com
Portland Police Association president Daryl Turner has a framed cartoon drawing in his office of him pulling the pants off a surprised Sam Adams. Needless to say, the leader of the city’s approximately 900 rank-and-file officers won’t miss much about his welldocumented stormy relationship with the former mayor—even if Turner declined to talk about his past with Adams. Turner, 53, has been a Portland cop for 20 years and union president since July 2010. He’s hoping to hit the reset button with City Hall. His relationship with Police Chief Mike Reese is cordial, and he’s “cautiously optimistic” about dealing with new Mayor Charlie Hales. Contract negotiations are expected to start this month, at a time when Hales
pledges to cut 10 percent across the board from every city bureau. Several high-profile cases threaten to sour relationships: the legal battle over the firing and rehiring of Officer Ron Frashour after his fatal shooting of an unarmed Aaron Campbell in 2010, and changes in use-of-force policy compelled by the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation last year. Still, the self-described “old-school” cop says everything will go just fine—as long as all sides remember one key thing: respect. WW: What do you think about Charlie Hales thus far? Daryl Turner: I feel confident about the future, with our relationship to City Hall and the mayor. I think you’ll see a more collaborative direction from the new leaders. I think you’ll see less fanfare in the media, and actually getting more done, just moving forward.
Aside from the DOJ settlement, what are your biggest priorities for this year? To negotiate our contract and get it settled. Workload issues are first and foremost for us. We want to make sure that our officers are being compensated monetarily and taken care of safety-wise. We have a shortage of officers and supervisors, and we’re putting more work and responsibility on them. The mentalhealth area is a perfect example. Are you going to ask for a raise? We don’t talk about the things on the negotiation table until they’re brought out. We have not put any proposals forth yet. Hales talks about increasing community policing. Officers have been doing that for years. Sometimes it can become a buzzword. Officers are out there every day making contacts, not just with criminals and victims, but also with people in the neighborhoods. Hales, in his campaign, often told a story about a police officer driving through a park on the sidewalks without stopping, to show that police are out of touch with citizens. So where’s
the disconnect? If you look at things from the outside in, you see differently than someone who’s on the inside. Mayor Hales is on the inside now. It’s a workload issue. Would you trade a pay raise for more officers? It’s not a matter of trading; it’s a matter of necessity. We have to have more officers. Has there been any talk about asking voters for more money for police? Not yet. The mayor is just coming into office. He needs to look at each bureau, learn what they need and don’t need, and trim the fat from bureaus that need it and enhance the bureaus that need to be enhanced. What bureaus need to have fat trimmed? I wouldn’t know about that, but I do know which one needs to be enhanced: the Portland Police Bureau. One of the criticisms about the DOJ report is that it didn’t address cops and race in this town. You’re a black cop in a bureau accused of treating black people differently than white people. Where do you see yourself in all of that? My answer to that is: Is there racial profiling at Fred Meyer? Is there racial profiling at U.S. Bank? Is there racial profiling at various businesses across the country? I think that’s an issue bigger than police. Is it more of an impact because I can’t go to certain schools or other places because of that, or if I’m scrutinized and followed by a security officer because I’m African-American? We strive, and I strive, to make sure that doesn’t happen here at the Portland Police Bureau. What will you miss the least about Mayor Sam Adams? I won’t comment on that, but I’ll wish him well in his endeavors.
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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The City of Portland is again punching up parking fines. Overtime parking on the street will still get a $39 ticket, but starting Feb. 7, failure to buy and display a meter receipt will get you a $60 fine, up from $45. The higher fines mean, if you’re a parking-meter gambler, the risk has increased. That makes sense to one parking expert. “ When the parking meter was invented, it was described as a combination of a slot machine and an alarm clock,” says Donald Shoup, a professor of urban planning at the University of California, Los Angeles. In Portland, the city doesn’t hike these fines alone: The Bureau of Transportation proposes new fines—it’s actually called a “bail schedule”—and submits it to the Multnomah County Circuit Court for approval. Transportation Bureau spokeswoman Cheryl Kuck says the city considers many factors and consults local businesses to make sure parking spaces turn over and people are following the rules, among other key concerns. “Would a higher amount create a better deterrent?” Kuck says. “Where does Portland stand in terms of the other West Coast cities? Are we getting the behaviors we want on the street?” Portland’s $39 overtime-parking penalty is midrange for the West Coast and comparable cities—San Francisco
DENVER
243-2122
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BY WW STA F F
will ding you $72, for example. But just how much of a deterrent is a $39 overtime parking fine? We examined several cities, comparing the size of the overtime parking fine to the cost of one hour of street parking. In other words, if you let your meter expire, what’s the magnitude of the fine compared to the extra amount you would have paid to park legally? Many cities have varying parking rates, something Portland has recently started to try. So we looked at the highest hourly rates in cities compared to overtime parking fines. Denver’s system creates the most risk: The overtime parking fine is 25 times that of the top hourly rate. Portland isn’t far behind with 24.4. Seattle—where the top parking rate is $4 but the fine is $44—has one of the lowest ratios, 11-to-1. Shoup says in some ways, cities are getting the whole parking-fine thing wrong. His research shows a small number of cars account for a large percentage of the parking tickets issued. These repeat offenders get fined the same amount as someone with only one offense. “Most of us see ourselves as occasional unintended offenders,” Shoup says. “Repeat offenders are nobody’s favorite kind of scofflaw. If you increased the fines on repeat offenders, you can have a lower fine for the first offenses. A very small percentage of people out there are truly trying to defraud the city by overstaying at a meter.” Olga Kozinskiy and Michael Munkvold contributed to this report.
Portland’s $39 overtime parking fine is in the middle of the pack among comparable cities. But it’s nearly 25 times the cost of one hour of street parking (the black band on the bars below), making its fine one of the most severe relative to the cost of plugging a meter.
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PORTLAND’S PARKING FINES ARE COMPARATIVELY LOW, BUT CREATE BIGGER RISKS FOR SCOFFLAWS.
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a mobile eatery-themed scavanger hunt and urban footrace.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 RED F E AT U L U D E INC S C A RTS N D W I C H E A S * T B I G - A * VO U R S P O ILL FLA ES GR E H C ED GRILL I FUSION KO MPION O CHA D PIES T A T O P FRIE FIES WHIF
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mike griPPi
RETURN CHUCKY OF
By AARO N M ESH a me s h@ wwe e k .com
Portland needs to make big sPending cuts.
NeW Mayor Charlie hales is sWiNgiNg the ax. Portland City Hall is awfully quiet for a palace amid a revolution. Since the start of the year, the place has felt like a barely solvent art gallery sold to absentee bankers. Outside the mayor’s office on the third floor, the hush is so complete you can hear a single visitor approaching by the tap of shoes on the stone staircases. There’s a new mayor behind the oak doors, but Charlie Hales is seen so rarely in these corridors, it’s as if he has yet to arrive. It’s an arresting contrast to the final months of former Mayor Sam Adams, when Adams dashed between city commissioners’ offices with his latest, frenetic idea, and City Hall staffers convened impromptu strategy sessions in the second-floor men’s room to
trade information about the 11th-hour deals Adams might be hammering out. “Things got crazy,” says City Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “There’s a feeling of anticipation now. A lot of people are waiting for Charlie.” But behind the closed doors of the mayor’s office, Hales and his staff have been hosting meetings that start at dawn and often extend deep into the evenings. The silver-haired Hales—a city commissioner from 1993 to 2002—campaigned as an operator who knew the place blind. He pledged a back-to-basics agenda that would trim the fat from Portland’s government. But Hales, 57, has returned to a city in financial distress like he never saw in his last go-round. The City of Portland enters
its annual budgeting process in a $25 million hole—and has, to Hales’ shock, only $75,000 left to cushion the general fund for the next five months. (See sidebar and graphic on page 16.) Hales has been forced into a crash course in the inner mechanism of Portland government. On Feb. 4, he will take control for three months of all 27 city bureaus that handle the daily grind of the city, everything from extinguishing fires to pruning park bushes. Hales is demanding each bureau put forward ways to cut 10 percent off the top. Hales has already cut a program he and Adams both supported: $395,000 for the nonprofit Worksystems Inc. to fund summer teen internships and job-training programs.
“No time like the present to start digging out of this hole,” Hales says. “This is a pain that’s going to continue.” Under A dams, City Hall became notorious as a place that would find a few thousand dollars for any project, even if it wasn’t something the city was strictly responsible to fund. In just 30 days, Hales has made it clear he is targeting more than just the most flagrant expenses. No program is safe. Charlie Hales’ chief of staff, Gail Shibley, voted for Eileen Brady. She supported businesswoman Brady in the mayoral primary last May, and cont. on page 14 Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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cont.
CHARLIE'S COUNCIL: Portland City Council now consists of Mayor Charlie Hales (center) and city commissioners (from left) Steve Novick, Amanda Fritz, Dan Saltzman and Nick Fish.
“ We’re slashing budgets, and feeling good about it. i don’t mean that to be flip. it’s already been painful.” —Josh Alpert
James rexroad
shifted to Hales only in the November general election. But when Hales interviewed her, they discovered a shared enthusiasm: cutting overhead costs and protecting basic needs. At the time, Shibley, a former legislator, was overseeing the Oregon Health Authority’s environmental public health office—and growing frustrated that the state bureaucracy spent so much on administration and facilities that it couldn’t hire new inspectors of X-rays and radioactive materials. “It’s to protect us from radiation— hello!” Shibley says. “Gloria Steinem had this saying many years ago: If you want to know somebody’s values, don’t listen to what they say. Look at their checkbook.” But Hales and Shibley were both startled by the city’s financial woes. He now believes a $25 million budget gap is a best-case scenario—things could get worse fast. “Maybe it’s a $40 million hole,” he says. Shibley slashed costs immediately: cutting by nearly half Adams’ 25-member staff. The smaller staff saves the city $600,000 a year in salaries. Adams led a team of young wonks, each with an assigned area of specialty—all the way down to a “youth strategies policy coordinator” and a “new media manager.” Hales’ team has fewer people, but with much longer résumés—and unlike Adams’ staffers, they can buy drinks without getting carded. Shibley, 54, was Oregon’s first openly lesbian state representative, and a onetime City Council candidate. Public safety policy director Baruti Artharee, 60, was state housing director and second in command at the Portland Development Commission. Policy director Ed McNamara, also 60, developed nonprofit housing for 30 years. Even the mayor’s spokesman has a plush CV: Dana Haynes, 52, is a former journalist who writes thriller novels about plane-crash investigators. His first book, 2010’s Crashers, opens with a vivid and detailed depiction of the charred wreckage of a commercial jetliner that falls out of the sky near Salem. City Hall insiders say Hales’ pareddown office won’t be able to handle the load of managing 27 bureaus, even for three months. One longtime activist made a bet
mike grippi
RETURN CHUCKY
GAIL TO THE CHIEF: Hales meets in his office with chief of staff Gail Shibley. "This is the chance to find mission creep— the signature on the signature on the signature," Shibley says. 14
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
with Hales’ staff that the ranks will swell by the end of the year. “Fact of the matter is, somebody’s got to do the work,” Fritz says. “And I think he’s going to find that out.” Josh Alpert has his own idea for the rows of empty cubicles that take up the center of Hales’ office, like a police squad room abandoned for a big case: “I thought, maybe bocce.” Alpert, one of Hales’ four policy managers, is the most visible mayoral staffer in City Hall. Some of Hales’ staff won’t start their jobs until February—so Alpert has been tasked with meeting dozens of city bureau staffs. “It’s been like going to college,” he says, “but on crack.” Alpert, a skinny, gray-bearded 40-yearold who arrived at City Hall from the Trust for Public Land, first worked for Hales at the end of his last City Council turn. Alpert’s new assignment: to learn what each bureau does in the wake of Hales’ edict that each bureau must identify its core 90 percent of services—and prepare to lose the rest to budget cuts. “That’s going to be the name of the game,” Alpert says. “Getting our fiscal house back in shape will allow us to go to the public with a straight face and say, ‘We did it the right way.’” By all accounts, the task of curbing city expenses has energized Hales. He arrives at City Hall at 7 am and leaves each night with a stack of bureau budgets in tow. During his commissioner days, he and his staff often took lunches at the nearby Lotus Cardroom & Cafe. In the past month, no one in his office can recall seeing him go out for lunch—he brings pad Thai or a wrap from nearby food carts to eat during meetings. “In the 12 years that I’ve known him, I have never seen him happier,” Alpert says. “He is just radiant. We’re slashing budgets,
and feeling good about it. I don’t mean that to be flip. It’s already been painful.” Adams had either been a city staffer, commissioner or mayor for the past 20 years. His colleagues can hardly believe he’s gone: At her reaffirmation ceremony Jan. 5, Fritz introduced Hales to the audience as “Mayor Sam Adams.” Others are flat-out delighted. “I just keep pinching myself that we have a new mayor,” says Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who was often shut out of Adams’ bargaining process. But Adams’ departure and Hales’ arrival means a resetting of the power balance at City Hall. By taking all bureaus as his own Feb. 4 and asking his fellow commissioners to join him in looking at the entire budget, Hales risks upsetting the alliances and marked territory that powers City Hall. In Portland’s rare and exotic form of government—known in civics jargon as a “weak-mayor system”—each commissioner holds a parcel of bureaus. The assignment of coveted bureaus means status. It also balances control of the city. So most of the real dealmaking at City Hall doesn’t take place in council chambers on Wednesday mornings—that’s just the public event that displays already established factions and agreements. Instead, decisions are reached in an improvised dance of commissioners and staffers walking across the brown-andwhite checkerboard marble of the second floor to each other’s offices for “drop-ins”— one-on-one meetings that can be held without a quorum. (Once three commissioners are in the same room, the meeting is public.) “We have a culture where if a commissioner drops in, we stop what we’re doing and attend to it,” Fritz says. “Sorry, folks, but the mayor takes precedence.”
OF
THE BICYCLE LOBBY: Shibley rides a bike in the mayor's office past the empty desks that once housed Sam Adams' staffers. James RexRoad
Mayors have taken temporary control of all bureaus before—former mayors Vera Katz and Tom Potter did this when they first took office, though Adams skipped it. But never in a moment when such a large budget shortfall puts every program under the microscope. The open question is whether the commissioners can withstand the urge to defend the bureaus they’ve held. Nearly every commissioner’s office has a story about former Commissioner Randy Leonard protecting his turf—the water and fire bureaus. In the past year, Leonard bristled when Saltzman questioned a $5 million purchase of two new fireboats. And several City Hall sources say Leonard told his bureau staff not to talk to Fritz’s office. “We’ll see if I can raise an issue about another bureau and not be politely batted down by the commissioner in charge— umbrage expressed,” Saltzman says. “Old habits die hard.” On Jan. 7, Water Bureau director David Shaff sat in the Rose Room on City Hall’s third floor, listening to Portland’s financial staff list the various financial crises the city faces. He leaned back in his swivel chair. “We’re all in the same sucky spot,” Shaff said. “There’s not a lot of time, and we all have to adjust to the new direction.” Shaff’s position actually has been more precarious than most: He was hired by the recently departed Leonard, the Water Bureau’s spending came under media scrutiny last year, and Hales gave newspapers mixed signals about whether he’d keep him. Hales canned one bureau chief even before taking office: Portland Bureau of Transportation director Tom Miller. Hales now says he won’t take the “opportunity for a purge” of any other bureau directors—even Shaff is safe. But he’s asking them to do something almost as unpleasant: identify which of their own staff to lay off. “Forcing people to go to 90 percent is a hideous and painful exercise,” says Commissioner Nick Fish, adding that it’s the right move. “We’ll see whether the spirit and the tone [Hales] set continues through the budget process.” Saltzman, a veteran of 15 city budgets, says bureaus often employ what’s known as a “Washington Monument strategy”: offering their grandest edifices for cuts, and expecting the City Council to back away from trimming popular programs. “Most general-fund bureaus will put the things they think we’re least likely to cut as their priority cuts,” Saltzman says. In past budgets, the Police Bureau has volunteered to end its mounted-patrol program—the officers on horseback most beloved by the public. The Water Bureau has offered to shut off the water flow on the Ira Keller and Salmon Street fountains. The Office of Management and Finance has suggested reducing the availability of its 24-hour on-call technology specialist, who can fix the 911 lines if they malfunction. Saltzman says Hales should call these bluffs. “I’d just love to see the expression on
RETURN CHUCKY James RexRoad
cont.
REPORTING FOR DUTY: City Commissioner Steve Novick (right) walks with staffer Bryan Hockaday through his office, which still lacks a receptionist.
their faces when the mayor says, ‘OK, we’re just taking those 10 percent cuts, and we’re done.’ I hope he will.” The first proposals released by the bureaus appear to be serious offers. The Parks & Recreation plan is the most detailed so far: It includes eliminating a $153,000 Dutch elm disease prevention program and stopping annual payments of more than a half-million dollars to Multnomah County’s Aging & Disability Services. The Bureau of Transportation says it could trim $1.8 million in capital projects. The Office of Neighbor-
hood Involvement is looking at reducing its graffiti-abatement team. Hales says he believes bureau staff will cooperate—and relieve some of the pressure from the thinned mayor’s office. “I hope they’re straight with me,” he says. In the reverberations of Hales’ arrival, it’s too early to spot any personality conflicts on the recently minted City Council. But one distinction is emerging. Saltzman and Fritz, both smarting from four years feeling shunted out of deals, are eager to begin the impending cost-cutting exercise—Saltzman, in his stone-faced way, borders on gleeful—while Fish and
new Commissioner Steve Novick are more apprehensive. Novick is still moving into his office. He’s drinking out of a red coffee mug emblazoned “Commissioner Randy Leonard.” Novick has been delving into the budgets of the bureaus Leonard held. He’s been far more willing to question spending—even putting a hold on a $19.4 million design contract for Washington Park reservoirs after Fritz dropped in to voice concerns. “People are worried about the budget, cont. on page 16 Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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obviously,” Novick says. They’ve also let him know their frustrations—the Water Bureau’s customer-service department has complained that some citizens hate the city’s phone-hold music. Adams instituted the “Listen Local” program, which plays local indie rock—Loch Lomond and 3 Leg Torso have been featured—while customers are on hold. “I’m going to ask Mayor Hales to make me the commissioner in charge of hold music,” Novick says. “It’s way too parochial.” He has written an extensive list of hold songs customized to each bureau. The Water Bureau would get “Waterfalls” by TLC; the Police Bureau, “I Fought the Law.” But Novick has also taken seriously the dictate to save money. He’s starting with a bare-bones staff of three, and waiting to add people until he knows what bureaus he’ll oversee. In four weeks, he hasn’t hired a receptionist. On Jan. 9, a week after his term started, his office’s front desk was deserted. This caused trouble for his chief of staff, Chris Warner. “We need to know when people walk in,” Warner observed. Two days later, Novick dug up a small silver concierge bell and placed it on the front desk for visitors to ring. Once in office, Hales made some budgetcutting decisions quickly. The Worksystems contracts were among the first things to go. Hales wasn’t just targeting one of Adams’ favorite programs. He was cutting a program he had repeatedly said on the campaign trail he wanted to expand—those pledges are still on Hales’ campaign website. Shibley told Worksystems about the budget cuts Jan. 16, but Hales kept it quiet for more than a week. His office was worried the news would spoil a trip to President Barack Obama’s inauguration for De’Ontria McFerson, a high-school intern with County Commissioner Loretta Smith’s office. McFerson got the internship through Worksystems. “It’s tough,” Shibley says. “But [Work-
JAMeS RexROAD
RETURN CHUCKY
REAR WINDOW: Novick meets in his second-floor office. He is serving as president of the City Council—a rotating title among commissioners. If anything happens to Hales, the president—Novick at the moment—assumes the mayor's duties.
systems] get it. It’s not about them. It’s not about not respecting the work that they do. It’s about, ‘Welcome to this budget era.’” Heather Ficht, Worksystems’ director of youth workforce initiatives, says the loss of city money means the nonprofit can't find a summer career-training program for 10th-graders, nor 100 of the 315 paid internships it offers each year. “It means 100 kids won’t have opportunities they would have—largely lowincome kids of color,” she says. “What are these kids going to do?” Hales says he wants the programs restored as soon as possible. But he says they won’t be the last student programs he’ll cut.
WAY DOWN IN THE HOLE To paraphrase famed budgeter Oscar Wilde: Losing a million dollars is a misfortune, but losing $25 million looks like carelessness. As Mayor Charlie Hales begins his term, the City of Portland faces a $25 million shortfall—about 6.5 percent of its $390 million annual general fund. It’s in that hole even though city revenues have steadily grown since 2008. What put Portland in the red? City economists blame three main factors: The Multnomah County Library taxing district ($10 million) When voters passed a permanent funding stream for the county library system in November, that squeezed the amount of property-tax dollars the city can collect. As explained by WW last summer (“When Stacks Attack,” Aug. 1, 2012), Oregon property taxes are limited by state law—and every time a new tax is added, the amount left for other governments shrinks.
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He already knows which one he’s dreading most. “It’s the student TriMet pass,” he says, referring to the bus passes for Portland Public Schools high-school students that Adams worked out a deal to keep last summer. “I know the value of that YouthPass, and I respected Sam for fighting for it. It’s going to be really painful.” Hales also went to the Obama inauguration, where he and his wife, Nancy, attended one of the balls. He also lobbied administration officials, including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, for federal funds. At the top of the Hales agenda is getting other governments to pick up tabs. On Jan. 8, Hales sat in the Rose Room
The Police Bureau’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice ($5.4 million) When the DOJ announced its findings that Portland cops had engaged in a pattern of excessive force against the mentally ill, the Police Bureau agreed to resurrect its crisisintervention team. The contract with the feds also requires community mental-health programs. Last year’s budget commitments ($8.6 million) For years, the city has funded certain projects with repeated “one-time” money, in effect creating a shadow budget beneath the general fund. The City Council moved these costs into the general fund—and that change hits this year's budget. The spending includes $4.9 million for a homelessness “safety net,” such as shelters and rent assistance; $3.1 million for small-business assistance, including the Portland Seed Fund; and $447,232 for cleaning up graffiti. Other ($1 million)
with a pack of state legislators, listening to Portland Police Chief Mike Reese ask them for state support for mental health care to help resolve the Police Bureau’s settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. At the end of the meeting, legislators were sold. “We’ll get you some money,” said state Rep. Margaret Doherty (D-Tigard). Hales, who had been mostly silent through the meeting, shouted in reply. “Let the record show!” he said. Hales has met several times with Multnomah County Chairman Jeff Cogen, knowing a leaner city budget is likely to shut off the flow of city money to county programs. “I expect that we’ll have a very adult, difficult conversation,” Hales says. “What’s your job? What’s our job? Who has the money to pay for this?” Len Bergstein, a lobbyist at City Hall and the state capitol, says Hales can leverage his budget-hawking into getting what he wants from the county and state. “He’s got a little bit of a halo effect here,” Bergstein says. “He can reduce budgets and still have an aggressive agenda. The City of Portland can come down here and say, ‘Look, we’ve got our house in order—and here’s where our interests align.’ It’s not a new thing every day.” Hales, who returned from Washington, D.C., with a bad cold and hacking cough, expects he will spend the first six months of his term disappointing bureaus, other governments and the people of Portland who have come to expect the city to keep funding beloved projects. “We have to demolish the fiction that there’s always a little money stored away in a box someplace in City Hall,” he says. “And if you push hard enough, and if you lobby loud enough, they’ll go find that box and pay for your favorite program. I wish that were the case. But that box does not exist—or if it exists, it was emptied.”
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FOOD: Ava Gene’s unusual Italian fare. MUSIC: Unknown Mortal Orchestra faces mortality. THEATER: So a comedian walks into a hotel bar... BOOKS: What will make you happy (and what won’t).
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SCOOP GOSSIP PLANNING TO SUCKER-PUNCH CHRIS BROWN.
she lives with the angels now: Portland R&B singer Reva DeVito, who placed ninth in our 2012 Best New Band poll, is moving to Los Angeles. The vocalist, whose futuristic style combines elements of neo-soul, hip-hop and dance music, says she feels there are more opportunities to grow her career in California, and that she has a support system devito of musicians and producers there eager to help her. “I’m sort of looking for more creative space, and a market I can maneuver within,” says DeVito, a native of Vancouver, Wash., adding, “When I live in L.A., I’ll still be representing Portland.” DeVito, who has a new EP coming out in the spring, is planning a farewell show for late February.
TYLER SNAzELLE
bibi bowl: Portland guitarist Bibi McGill will play for an audience of more than 100 million Sunday, Feb. 3, when she takes the stage with Beyoncé during the halftime show for Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans. McGill, who is also a yoga instructor and health-food pioneer, has toured as lead guitarist with Pink and Beyoncé, and teaches yoga at Portland’s Root Whole Body. She’s also dedicated to “replacing the potato chip” with her own brand of kale chips by 2015 and will speak about transcendental love at TEDxConcordiaUPortland in March. She wouldn’t tell us what Beyoncé will be singing or syncing for the show, but McGill will be behind her rippin’ riffs with a big, purple-tinted ’fro. “I can’t give away too many details, as the whole thing is very confidential,” McGill says. “You can’t miss me. That’s for sure.”
this week in blogs: We’ve got an annotated guide to the Portlandia sketch filmed at our office, a review of the divisive new Southland Whiskey Kitchen, more reviews of work from Fertile Ground, a review of lollipops a local bakery claims can cure colds, and a list of eight holograms that could save Coachella 2013’s lackluster lineup.
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Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
SCOTT GREEN/IFC
opening/closing: The long-awaited, much-delayed Chicago deep-dish joint Via Chicago (2013 NE Alberta St.) has announced its brick-and-mortar grand opening for Sunday, Feb. 3. Gastropub Redwood (7915 SE Stark St.), featuring plenty of meaty items, including tongue sandwiches, has announced it’s officially up and running after a long, soft opening. Meanwhile, a passing of the beards: Graybeard Hal’s Tavern (1308 SE Morrison St.), dive and longtime home of long-table shuffleboard, will become hippie-beard Citizen Bar, according to a liquor license app filed by Don Wallace and folk singer-songwriter David Robert Griggs. In sad news, Sonoran hot-dog cart Papa-Pau—the only local outlet for an authentic version of the bacon-wrapped dogs—has sold the cart most recently parked on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard and will be closed until summer.
Portlandia
HEADOUT LEO ZAROSINSKI
WILLAMETTE WEEK
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK IN ARTS & CULTURE
WEDNESDAY JAN. 30 HARMONTOWN [LIVE PODCASTING] Community creator and Chevy Chase arch nemesis Dan Harmon is, in all likelihood, a crazy person—who else gets fired from their own show?—but that just makes his podcast more of a must-hear. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 888-643-8669. 7:30 pm. $20-$25. 21+. RARE VERMOUTH UNCORKING [BOOZE] A 99-year-old bottle of Cinzano vermouth found in the basement of a Portland home will be made into $40 Manhattans. Sidecar 11, 3955 N Mississippi Ave., 208-3798. 6 pm. 21+.
THURSDAY JAN. 31 COMPAGNIE MARIE CHOUINARD [DANCE] Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring has been an irresistible challenge to choreographers since Nijinksy and the Ballets Russes set it in motion a century ago. Montrealbased Marie Chouinard approaches the pagan spectacle with vigorous writhing and animalistic eroticism. Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, 1620 SW Park Ave., 7253307. 8 pm. $20-$30.
NEWS RATINGS RANKING THE “WEEKEND UPDATE” ANCHORS. 1. NORM MACDONALD (1994-97)
He turned the Saturday Night Live news desk into his own absurdist playground, brilliantly mocking not so much the news as “Weekend Update” itself. Frank Stallone owes Norm his livelihood, whatever that happens to be.
2. JANE CURTIN AND DAN AYKROYD (1977-78)
Splitting them up just seems wrong. They were the first and only tandem that really felt like a partnership, and understood that actual news teams are inherently comedy duos. Disagree? Then you’re an ignorant somethingor-other.
3. BILL MURRAY (1978-80)
It’s Bill fucking Murray. Any further questions?
4. TINA FEY (2000-06)
Backlash and Christopher Hitchens be damned: Fey was funny and smart without being smug, and never allowed herself to get dragged down by the two giggling ankle weights she was saddled with for six years.
5. CHEVY CHASE (1975-76)
He laid the template, and that alone earns him top-five placement. Plus, if we ranked him lower, he’d probably try to poison us with strychnine.
6. DENNIS MILLER (1985-91)
Before Osama bin Laden crashed a 747 into his brain and transformed him into a Fox News shill, Miller was the proto Jon Stewart—a fake newsman with a real ax to grind—and the most hyper-intelligent mullethead on television. OK, maybe he was a bit of a twat even back then, but he was our twat, y’know?
7. SETH MEYERS (2008-PRESENT)
The current anchor, in town this weekend, is now also the longest tenured. A comic this beige belongs smack in the middle. Like SNL itself these days, Meyers is inoffensive, good for a laugh now and then, and keeps you watching just long enough to consistently disappoint you.
8. KEVIN NEALON (1991-94)
He had problems following the teleprompter and stammered through jokes, but he was the last anchor to approach the position with Brokaw-esque faux gravitas, and that’s worth something.
9. COLIN QUINN (1998-2000)
Now employed as a professional Twitter troll, Quinn brought to “Update” an off-putting Massholishness (even though he’s from Brooklyn) that made watching his segment feel like you got stuck at a bar in Worcester next to a loudmouth yelling at CNN like he was at a Sox game.
10. AMY POEHLER (2004-08)
Hard to imagine the future Leslie Knope being anything less than likable, but her run as sidekick to Fey and Meyers was distinguished only by having the most self-satisfied smirk of any anchor in history.
CITY GOATS [BOOKS] Chickens are so over. If you want to be a real hipster farmer, you need to get yourself some goats. Longtime urban goat keeper Jennie Grant reads from City Goats: The Goat Justice League’s Guide to Backyard Goat Keeping. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free.
FRIDAY FEB. 1 VENUS IN FUR [THEATER] David Ives’ sinister, Tony-nominated comedy centers on a self-important writer-director and the actress vying for a role in his play, which he has adapted from the 1870 novel Venus in Furs. Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th Ave., 445-3700. 7:30 pm. $25-$54.
12. GAIL MATTHIUS (1981)
X [MUSIC] To celebrate its 13th anniversary, Dante’s booked one of the greatest American rock bands of the last 30 years. Sure, the rootspunk ensemble hasn’t recorded new music in two decades, but it also hasn’t played a club this small since it was tearing up L.A. in the ’80s. Dante’s, 350 W Burnside St., 2266630. 9 pm. $25. 21+.
13. JIMMY FALLON (2000-04)
TUESDAY FEB. 5
11. CHARLES ROCKET (1980-81) Fuck!
Who?
Inaugurated the era of the smirking, tittering “Update” anchor, and for that he belongs in the basement. If only he sat next to ?uestlove during his tenure, then maybe he would have been halfway tolerable. MATTHEW SINGER.
SEE IT: Seth Meyers is at the Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, on Friday, Feb. 1. 8 pm. $44.75. All ages.
INFAMOUS SHIPWRECKS [HISTORY] Author Finn J.D. John gives the lowdown on Oregon’s biggest maritime disasters. Jack London Bar, 529 SW 4th Ave., 2287605. 7:30 pm. Free. DAVE EGGERS [BOOKS] Novelist and McSweeney’s founder Dave Eggers signs copies of his new book, A Hologram for the King. No reading, but you can bask in his staggering genius. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 6 pm. Free. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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CULTURE
INTERVIEW
JINKX MONSOON
MEET THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST’S FIRST CONTESTANT ON THE AMERICAN IDOL OF DRAG. M AT H U A N D E R S E N
see Jinkx Monsoon as a single mother who desperately wanted to be an actress when she was a little girl, and it never happened for her, so she keeps failing wonderfully. She’s a tragic heroine because every time she goes for the prize, she fails. That’s kind of what’s endearing about her. I play her with a very tongue-in-cheek, drunken, disheveled, MILF-y housewife kind of attitude. When I go out to parties or events and stuff, I try to have at least one or two early-20-something gay boys around me that I refer to as my sons. In an interview you did for Logo, you said you had a 23-year-old son, and I was thinking, “Damn, she looks young for that.” That’s what I’m talking about when I say “high concept.” I don’t know a lot of drag queens whose characters are not the same age as they are. I very much feel when I’m portraying Jinkx Monsoon that I’m portraying a character. It’s not Jerick Hoffer portraying a woman, it’s Jerick Hoffer portraying Jinkx Monsoon. CONCEPT QUEEN: Jinkx Monsoon’s character has a full backstory. BY AA R O N S P E N C E R
WW: What about Sharon Needles inspired you to apply to be on the show? Jinkx Monsoon: Sharon Needles is a very high-concept, character-driven drag queen, and that’s how I kind of identify myself. I wasn’t inspired because I see myself as gothic or spooky like Sharon, but more so because I consider myself a drag queen with a full character and full backstory. When I saw how well she was doing on the Race, I started to feel like maybe this is the right competition for me too.
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Snatching a spot on RuPaul’s Drag Race is the quickest way for a drag queen to make it big, and the show’s newest season features its first contestant from the Pacific Northwest: Jinkx Monsoon. Monsoon, whose boy name is Jerick Hoffer, 25, lives in Seattle but hails from Portland. Hoffer first performed as Jinkx when he was 16 at the downtown underage dance club that became the Escape. Hoffer, now a stage actor, auditioned for Drag Race after seeing another character actor, Sharon Needles, win the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar on the show last season. WW talked to Hoffer about his character and growing up as a queer teenager in Portland.
What is your character and backstory? Jinkx Monsoon is kind of based on my mother and also on my favorite female comediennes like Sarah Silverman, Lucille Ball, Maria Bamford and Deven Green. I
You’ve said your goal is to make it on Broadway. Is your goal to be a Broadway star or a drag star? My goal is to be a drag-queen superstar on Broadway. I’m trying to coin the term “dragtress.” My other big goal in the next 10 years is to be the first drag queen to host Saturday Night Live.... I’d like to show that drag isn’t just for the queer community. It’s a universal and entertaining art form that can be shared with everyone—not just drunk homosexuals at smoky dive bars. What’s your dream role on Broadway? My No. 1 dream role is Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd. My favorite musicals are Stephen Sondheim musicals, so all my dream roles are from Stephen Sondheim shows. Your name is a mix of Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous and your
Portland’s Original Wing Joint Heated patio with fireplace open year-round at Fremont Make sure to try our delicious pizza and house-brewed beers. (pizza at Fremont only)
nickname Jinkx, which you had at SMYRC (Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center) in Portland. How much time did you spend at SMYRC? I used to be one of the youth there in their drop-in programs. I would just go there and hang out with the queer kids my age and stuff. Then at 17, I wanted to start volunteering more, so I started fundraising drag shows to raise money for the space. I was taking what I was learning at the Escape nightclub as a drag queen and sharing it with SMYRC and kind of getting the SMYRC drag community up and running. SMYRC continues to be one of my favorite nonprofit organizations to work with. I think the teens of Portland are very lucky that they have a space that’s for them even if they’re just going to meet other people their age who identify as queer. High school can be such a rough place to be a queer teenager, so to have somewhere to retreat is invaluable. So on Drag Race, are you the villain? No, without giving away too much.... A lot of people from other regions tell me I’m the nicest drag queen they’ve ever met, and I didn’t change that at all for reality TV. Lots of people in Seattle tell me that people who come from Portland are just so much nicer than anyone else they know, and then people from L.A. say people from the Northwest in general are just 10 times nicer than anyone they know in L.A.... I’m used to people telling me that they didn’t know that a drag performer could be inherently such a sweetheart. But what good is a nice drag queen? I’m more bitchy to myself. I’m a self-loathing comedienne. I have more fun poking fun at myself than anyone else. SEE IT: Season five of RuPaul’s Drag Race airs on Logo.
Join us for Chinese New Year with live lion dance Feb. 14 at 7pm
Get your Superbowl orders in early! 1708 E. Burnside 503.230.WING (9464) 20
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
Restaurant & Brewery NE 57th at Fremont 503-894-8973
4225 N. Interstate Ave. 503.280.WING (9464)
1025 NE Broadway St. • Portland, OR • 503-282-5811 Easy Online Ordering www.chensdynasty.com
FOOD & DRINK = WW Pick. Highly recommended.
REVIEW
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 Rare Vermouth Uncorking
In 1914, a shipment of Cinzano vermouth arrived in America, ready to sate the mouths of those immoral, preProhibition ballroom revelers. A few bottles made it to Portland, where they were kept in the rafters of a basement of a Northeast Portland home, aging for later consumption, or perhaps hidden away during Prohibition. There the 99-year-old Cinzano lay, forgotten, until the recent owners of the home passed away. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try a rare liquor at a fantastic price,” says Sidecar 11 owner Aaron Howard. Though that price is $40 for a single Manhattan, we’d have to agree. Sidecar 11, 3955 N Mississippi Ave., 208-3798. 6 pm. Free. 21+.
THURSDAY, JAN. 31 Hop Valley Brewing Tasting
Eugene’s Hop Valley Brewing takes the spotlight. Beers including its tastierthan-Rainier 541 Lager, Natty Red and Imperial Red will be served, but the highlight of the night is the $4 pints of Alpha Centauri Binary IPA. It’s heady, heavy and Imperial. NWIPA, 6350 SE Foster Road, 971-279-5876. 5-8 pm. Free. 21+.
Theory Opening
How far is executive chef Ryan Morgan willing to go for his new ingredients for Theory, opening at OMSI? Well, 150 miles. Part museum, part cooking school and part cafe, Theory will provide a transparent, scientific look at the cultivation, preparation and digestion of food. The massive industrial space, located on the Eastbank Esplanade, will only enhance Theory’s laboratory vibe. For now, it’s only open for lunch, but plans are in the works to shake cocktails for the OMSI After Dark crowd, early brunch hours and a science trivia night. OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave., 797-4000. 11 am-3 pm. Free.
Great Balls of Fire Fundraiser
The habanero-cheese fritters look pretty innocuous. They’re 1-inch fried brown balls, piled high on the center of the tables at Salvador Molly’s this time of year. But their heat is searing: Patrons who eat just five of the devilish little fritters get to put their names on the Hall of Flame. Salvador Molly’s, 1573 SW Sunset Blvd., 297-9635. 11:30 am-10 pm. Free.
FRIDAY, FEB. 1 Portland Seafood and Wine Festival
AMAREN COLOSI
By MITCH LILLIE. PRICES: $: Most entrees under $10. $$: $10-$20. $$$: $20-$30. $$$$: Above $30. Editor: MARTIN CIZMAR. Email: dish@wweek.com. See page 3 for submission instructions.
Brothers & Larry as well as Patrick Lamb will serenade stuffed stomachs after the unsettling oyster shuckand-swallow competition. The event will feature the usual hodgepodge of exhibitors, though what fine jewelry and a company called “Amazing Looking Skin” have to do with alcohol and shellfish is a bit beyond us. Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 235-7575. 2-10 pm Friday, noon-10 pm Saturday, Feb. 1-2. $10-$12, kids 5 and under free.
SATURDAY, FEB. 2 Beaverton Winter Market
Though a bit smaller than usual, the Beaverton farmers market will open three months early for its first winter market. Local farms will provide whatever grows in winter (Rutabaga! Parsnip! Beef!), and for those too lazy to simmer at home, some hearty winter soups will be available, too. Beaverton Farmers Market, Hall Boulevard between 3rd and 5th streets, Beaverton, 643-5345. 10 am-1:30 pm. Free.
Malt Ball
Portland does not need another music festival. We’re bloated with booze from all the beer festivals. But a music and beer festival? That works for us, even if it is run by our nemeses at the Mercury. Familiar faces abound in both beer and music. Migration, Full Sail, Bridgeport, HUB, Lompoc and more will pour their classics and a few limited releases while And And And, Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Sons of Huns, Radiation Heat and eight more groups blast the foam right out of your glass. Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell St., 284-8686. 2 pm-midnight. $25, $15 for one showcase. 21+.
MONDAY, FEB. 4 Firehouse Regional Monday: Sicily
Olive Garden, America’s most insidious “Italian” restaurant, sends its management to a one-day training at an offseason restaurant in Tuscany, where the group spends most of its time sightseeing. Even if it were a fullyear course, Tuscany is 700 miles and an epicurean world away from Sicily, Firehouse’s first featured region in its monthly study of the varied cultures of Italy. Firehouse actually accentuates the subtleties of the region, which, in this case, include wood-grilled lamb shoulder, tomato and rosemarybraised squid and some fine wines. Firehouse, 711 NE Dekum St., 954-1702. 5-9 pm. $30. 21+.
More than 40 wineries will team up with nine restaurants to, well, eat seafood and drink wine. The King
DRANK
MOGLI (CALDERA BREWING) Chocolate may have resulted from beer. According to a report in New Scientist, some archeologists believe chocolate—that is, fermented cacao beans— was created by ancient Mesoamericans getting their buzz on by drinking grain beverages like beer. Sorry to those of you who thought Young’s Double Chocolate Stout was the first chocolate beer. Ashland’s Caldera Brewing Company honored the passing of a beloved pooch named Mogli with this bourbon-oaked chocolate imperial porter, which is available at Belmont Station ($16.99 for a bomber). Both the style and the beer are a mouthful. It’s certainly sweet, but nothing like a cloying milkshake syrup, and best served after a meal, either with dessert or as the dessert course. Let this chocoholic’s wet dream warm up a little so the bourbon’s vanilla notes reveal themselves along with bourbon-soaked tobacco. Recommended. BRIAN YAEGER.
kaleculuS: ava gene’s menu is difficult but rewarding.
AVA-GARDE A USER’S GUIDE TO DUANE SORENSON’S OFFBEAT ITALIAN JOINT.
six “pane,” ($6-$9) bruschetta-style slices of grilled toast loaded down with a pile of chicken liver, spreadable sausage or soft-boiled egg with cured tuna roe. I found the pastelike spreadable sausage, called Nduja ($7), to have little flavor beyond a musty smokiness. A slice with plump borlotti beans and fragrant rosemary ($7) was a favorite.
BY Ma rtin CizMa r
tHe giardini and Piatti...
mcizmar@wweek.com
Why was my beer coming in bottles? Tap handles hang behind the bar at Ava Gene’s, the new Italian restaurant from coffee kingpin Duane Sorenson, and the tables around mine seemed to be getting fresh, ecologically responsible kegged beer. Perhaps you’re smarter than I am, and therefore can decipher what “alla spina” and “a bottiglia” mean. But you’ll probably be confused by something on Ava Gene’s deliberately opaque menu, which local Yelp boss Don Bourassa called “difficult, to the point of being a little scary” in a five-star review that begins with a definition of the word “transcendent.” If Stumptown helped banish unnecessary Italian words from coffee—remember the awful moment when non-Starbucks shops sold venti-size cups— Ava Gene’s maccheroni and sagna riccia (macaroni and lasagna noodles) bring things full circle. That’s not a bad thing, exactly. Sorenson’s first restaurant, the Woodsman Tavern, felt immediately familiar. Ava Gene’s pushes things—our first visit ended with six courses and not one tomato— but brings a little surprise to comforting fare that was demystified generations ago. If you navigate the menu right, you’ll have a magnifico meal. Sit...
...away from the door. Ava Gene’s is busy, even on weeknights. On one visit, we were seated at the table nearest the big, clumsy doors on a frigid day. I kept my jacket and still dreaded every entrance and exit. Next, we sat at the chef’s counter, watching the cooks work the Ox-aping, hand-cranked wood-fired oven while basking in its warmth. tHe meat and cHeeSe PlateS...
…are meat and cheese plates. The $14 affettati piccolo salumi sampler is enough for two to share, and has buttery country ham along with a few spicy sausages. tHe bread...
...is not complimentary. Instead, order from a list of
...are the headings for appetizers and salads, some cooked, some raw, distinguished by something I don’t understand. Simple fire-roasted Brussels sprouts with a squeeze of lemon and an absurdly delicious dipping sauce of tuna and mayonnaise ($10) are a must, as is the Tuscan Cavalry salad ($10). The salad is made with crisp, thinly sliced kale, slightly smashed so it can be softened by acidic dressing then topped with bread crumbs and umami-intense grated Parmesan. Avoid the overly bitter roasted radicchio ($7). tHe PaSta...
…is the highlight. Plan to order one “primi” course for everyone and share the “secondi.” I’d recommend macaroni in zesty white cauliflower sauce ($14), which was cooked to an ideal al dente and topped with a sprinkle of salty cheese. Ravioli in beef and tomato sauce is elegantly simple, and the orecchiette with pork sausage features a doughy rustic pasta with crumbles of herbed sausage and grilled onions in a rich, buttery sauce. tHe main courSeS...
...are large hunks of meat, best shared. Ava’s entrees seem like Woodsman B-sides. Leg of lamb is grilled medium-rare then sliced, sprinkled with mint and served over soupy lentils ($28). Half our massive braised pork osso bucco ($24) was too dry, while the other was wonderfully juicy. The pork’s jamlike “mostarda” has almost no mustard kick. tHe contorni...
...are filler. You won’t leave hungry after a big bowl of Calais flint polenta ($6), essentially savory grits. deSSertS...
...include a massive bowl of airy ice cream branded as gelato ($6, get coconut) and a plate of crunchy coffee cookies ($6) that goes well with coffee. Yes, there’s coffee—no Italian required. eat: Ava Gene’s, 3377 SE Division St., 971-229-0571, avagenes.com. 5-11 pm daily. $$$. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
MUSIC
MUSIC
jan. 30–Feb. 5 PROFILE
= WW Pick. Highly recommended.
NEIL KRUG
Prices listed are sometimes for advance ticket sales. At-the-door increases and socalled convenience charges may apply. Event lineups are subject to change after WW’s press deadlines. Editor: MATTHEW SINGER. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LISTINGS, go to wweek.com/ submitevents and follow submission directions. All shows should be submitted two weeks or more in advance of event. Press kits, CDs and especially vinyl can be sent to Music Desk, WW, 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Please include show or release date information with all physical mailings. Email: msinger@wweek.com. Fax: 243-1115.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble
[BLACKENED ART FOLK] David Eugene Edwards, the man who records and performs as Wovenhand, was scheduled to play in town this past December, but had to cancel his tour after contracting pneumonia. An understandable step considering the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with being on the road, but also how much of himself Edwards puts into his music. The dark, knotty folk-blues of Wovenhand requires of the singer-songwriter his full body and spirit, poured out liberally in a fury of biblical and mythological imagery. Perform this deeply felt music with even one iota of irony and the whole house of cards would collapse. ROBERT HAM. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. 9 pm. $14. 21+.
THURSDAY, JAN. 31 Philip Grass, Yiota, Tabor Dark
[MORPH] Started in July 2012, Philip Grass is averaging just under one release per month. Pretty productive for two guys with unfortunately named, obscure solo projects: Ben Durfee, aka not-the-Australian-metalband Portals, and Burton Schaber, aka not-the-airline-skills-training Crmdrm. Neither stoner band nor postmodern composer, Philip Grass is between worlds. It’s not unusual for tracks, like “WhotoldyoutoputaGonit (fity)” off first release Trail.Mixes, to channel juke, dubstep, hip-hop and space jazz at various points during a threeminute track. It’s not strange to hear pitch-warped chopping and screwing that escapes the witch-house vogue, instead allying the group with EDM label Dropping Gems. Is it odd to
believe J Dilla has been stoned back to life and now continues his quirky, twitchy solo sound as Philip Grass? MITCH LILLIE. Backspace, 115 NW 5th Ave., 248-2900. 8 pm. $5. All ages.
Built to Spill, Finn Riggins
[ICONIC NW ROCK] A shoe-in for the Pacific Northwest’s Rock-’n’-Roll Hall of Fame, if there were such a thing, Doug Martsch is one of the best songwriters of the last 20 years. The Built to Spill frontman pores over his work, spending weeks in confinement creating records like 2009’s There Is No Enemy. Better still, he sweats his guitarmanship as much as his lyric writing, making for vibrant vocals and whining riffs that intertwine gorgeously. And while Martsch and core bandmates Brett Nelson and Scott Plouf have never quite matched 1997 masterpiece Perfect From Now On, Built to Spill has been a stone temple in the indie-rock field—sturdy, honest and always looked up to. MARK STOCK. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. 9 pm. $25. 21+. Built to Spill also plays Doug Fir Lounge on Friday, Feb. 1.
Death Songs, Desert Days, Ah God
[SKELETON SOUL] With Sung Inside a House, Death Songs’ Nick Delffs has finally managed to bring the frolicsome nature of his live work into the studio. In doing so, he’s managed to inject the band’s new 11-song collection with generous amounts of soul. That “soul” takes on different connotations throughout the album. There’s the influence of actual soul music that seeps through “Giving,” a slow-burning, horn-accented waltz. Opening track “Overdose” and the band’s version of Dick Blakeslee’s anthemic “Passing Through” follow suit, bursting out of the speakers like a Motown 45.
TOP FIVE
CONT. on page 27
By RU BAN N I ELSON
TOP FIVE FAVORITE PSYCHEDELIC ALBUMS Forever Changes, Love
This album took me years to understand properly. The denseness of it is something that can’t be digested on the first listen. Arrangement, melody, lyrics, instrumentation—all really mysterious. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Pink Floyd
Syd Barrett’s mind got blown, but it’s lucky he completed this album before that happened. I feel like it must be the ultimate expression of the baroque spirit of experimentation and whimsical freewheeling of London at that time. The Soft Machine, The Soft Machine
I like how this album had so much influence from the jazz at the time. There’s this John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Sun Ra thing going on, which gives it a different, more arty kind of sound. Odessey and Oracle, The Zombies
It’s just full of cool melodies and strange chord changes. It’s really beautiful, and when I discovered it my songwriting started to warp. I’ve always been more a fan of the more sophisticated, baroque type of psych. I was listening to Liars and Lightning Bolt, and when I heard this I was suddenly listening to Bach. Uncle Meat, The Mothers of Invention
Say what you will about Frank Zappa, but even people who hate him have to admit he’s a genius. I like the first bunch of Mothers of Invention albums because the band was dirtier, crazier and sloppier. I used to sit around listening to this stuff when I was a teenager and thought I was the coolest kid in New Zealand.
THE LOST YEAR IN 2011, RUBAN NIELSON CREATED UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA. IT ALMOST KILLED HIM. bY matthew sin ger
msinger@wweek.com
Ruban Nielson thought he was going to die. Not in the metaphorical sense, either: In his first year touring with Unknown Mortal Orchestra, his blog-approved psych-pop group, the 32-year-old New Zealander felt sure he’d be coming home to Portland in a body bag. Waking up from a literal lost weekend—with nothing to account for the last few days but an Instagram photo of a flower bouquet floating in a toilet—will do that to a person. A year earlier, Nielson had broken up his previous band, the Mint Chicks, because the machinations of the industry had practically crushed his desire to make music. Now, he was on the verge of living out the most pathetic rock-’n’-roll cliché of all and partying himself to death. “We were pushing it really, really badly,” says Nielson from a table at the Mexican restaurant around the corner from his house in Milwaukie. “At some point, health things were happening. Weird stuff was happening. We sat down and were like, ‘Can you stop? Can we stop?’” Nielson, thoughtful and soft-spoken, is hard to imagine ever being in danger of choking on his own vomit in a hotel room. But from his description, he spent 2011 trapped inside a Motley Crüe tour documentary—drinking too much, doing too many drugs, sleeping only when blacked out. By the time he got off the road and returned to his wife and two kids, he’d nearly broken down completely. At least he got a great record out of it: II, UMO’s anticipated second album, is Nielson’s attempt to process his year of living excessively, when his home recording project unexpectedly became a full-time job and overwhelmed him with the pressure to keep going. Ironically, the pressure of playing music for money is precisely what Nielson moved to Portland to escape. Following the breakup of the Mint Chicks—the noisy, big-in-New Zealand pop-punk group Nielson started with his brother—in 2010, the
rest of the band, which had relocated to Portland three years earlier, went back to Auckland, while Nielson stayed behind. “I’d rather do anything in Portland than be a musician in New Zealand,” he says. He took a job at a video-production company, and only started recording again because, after running out of classic psychedelic albums to listen to, he figured he should make one himself. He uploaded “Ffunny Ffriends,” a catchy psych-guitar tune underpinned by a dusty drum sample, to his anonymous Bandcamp page in February 2011. Four days later, he heard the song coming out of a coworker’s computer, streaming on Pitchfork. At that point, Nielson had to make a decision. “I was going to go all in or all out,” he says. “So I went all in.” The next 12 months for Nielson were, in more than one way, a blur: He signed to Fat Possum Records, completed Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s self-titled debut, recruited a bassist and drummer and took the band on the road. In an effort not to repeat the mistakes that derailed the Mint Chicks, Nielson instituted a policy of having fun and never allowing things to get too serious. He overcompensated. In his substance-induced fugue state, Nielson started missing shows, while working with a manager he hadn’t properly vetted. At the end of 2011, he practically crawled back to Portland, with little to show for his exhaustion. II is Nielson’s attempt to make that period count for something. It’s there in the song titles— “Faded in the Morning,” “So Good at Being in Trouble”—but also in the music. In contrast to the waterlogged funk of UMO’s debut, the new album is lighter and hazier, reflecting the yearlong hangover in which it was written. “It’s my way of mythologizing that experience,” says Nielson, who again played most of the instruments himself, “and turning it into something to go on with.” But now that the band is a success, the threat of getting consumed by it looms even larger. UMO leaves for tour this week, and doesn’t return to Portland until it plays the Aladdin Theater in April. Asked if he’s prepared to walk away if he feels things getting out of hand, Nielson looks down at his wedding ring, and talks about his ongoing search for balance. “You don’t want to be a half-assed family guy, and you don’t want to be a half-assed musician,” he says. “I have to make both those things work.” HEAR IT: Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s II is out Tuesday, Feb. 5, on Jagjaguwar. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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Valentine Spa Packages and Gift Certificates Available Spa Memberships
Celebrate The Month Of Love
Come visit us at our 2nd Saturday Event - Feb. 9th, 6-9PM
starting at $59 per month!
Chocolate Fondue ~ Rose Petal Tea Tasting ~ Love Songs Special Gifts From Art of Tea ~ Complimentary Spa Treatments
Customized 60 min. Massage EVERY MONTH Additional massage/facials at a low, membership rate Retail discounts and more!
February Specials SWEETHEART SPECIAL..............................$139 (1) 60 min. Custom Massage for him + (1) 60 min. Custom Facial for her plus champagne & chocolates
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Teas & Tonics ~ Organic Soups Fresh Pastries ~ Coffee & Espresso Drinks Superfood smoothies & Parfaits
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Substitutions and combination discounts respectfully declined
AN INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE
Winter Recipe Remedies Alternative cure for the common cold and flu
Ginseng & Goat Milk SYMPTOMS: Always sneezing and runny nose.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS: Treat respiratory allergy and bronchitis. Not suitable for cellulites (skin infection).
INGREDIENTS: American Ginseng – 5gm Apricot Seed (hsing jen – 5gm Chinese Yam (shan yao) – 5gm Goat milk 3/4 cup • Honey
Preparation: 1. Rinse the 3 herbs, let them soak in 3 cups of water in a pot for 30 minutes. 2. Bringh water to a boil and lower heat to cook for 30 minutes to get half cup of tea. 3. Mix tea with goat milk and honey and drink warm. One Stop Shopping Groceries · Housewares · Gifts · Jewelry · Restaurants
OREGON’S LARGEST ASIAN MALL Interested in leasing space at Fubonn Shopping Center? Contact: Chris Schneider (Norris, Beggs & Simpson) – 503-273-0367 • cschneider@ nai-nbs.com
2850 S.E. 82nd Ave.
www.fubonn.com 24
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
503-517-8877
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Spa Treatments Yoga and Workshops Chiropractic Services Boutique including gifts and Medela products Purchase your Gift Certificates online today!
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KIVA TeA BAr & SpA www.kivateaspa.com 971-229-1368 KIVA Tea Bar & Spa - A new hip tea bar & café in NW with a tranquil Spa oasis. Serving Tea, espresso drinks, smoothies, daily soups & salads, wine & cheese plates, and more. Enjoy our divine facials, relaxing massage therapy and therapeutic foot sanctuary. KIVA offers beautiful Valentine Gift Certificates and wonderful gifts ideas. 1533 NW 24th Ave at Raleigh.
FuBonn SupermArKeT www.Fubonn.com 503-517-8877 Fubonn Supermarket is Portland’s premiere Asian market located inside of Oregon’s largest Asian mall. Fubonn Supermarket stocks the freshest vegetables, meats, seafood, groceries, housewares and much more from Asia and around the world. Fubonn has a great selection of Asian foods and herbs to help you live a healthier lifestyle. Conveniently located for one stop shopping, stop in and find out why Fubonn is the key to Asian cuisine.
zenAnA SpA www.zenana-spa.com 503-238-6262 Join us for our Studio Community Day on Saturday February 9th from 10am-1pm. FREE yoga from 10:30-11:30am highlights our most popular classes. Meet our chiropractor, Dr. Molly, for posture analysis, enjoy light refreshments, mini spa treatments, henna tattoos, a raffle and discounts in our boutique. Winter Wellness couldn’t be easier!.
The drAgonTree www.thedragontree.com 503.221.4123 The Dragontree is the perfect place to show how much you love that special someone this Valentine’s Day. With couples treatments, gift certificates and many wonderful gifts, The Dragontree is always the perfect one stop shop for the ones you love. Relax and leave the romance to The Dragontree. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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Thursday, January 31 • 5pm 5PM Free Pinball Feeding Frenzy!!! 21+ FREE! Every Thursday at 5, we drop a handful of free games onto each of our 8 pinballs. First come, first served for a free pinball feeding frenzy!!!
Saturday, February 2 • 9pm Thrones • Megaton Leviathan Winter In The Blood • Withering of Light 21+
Sunday, February 3 8pm (doors open at 7pm) The Church of RocknRoll Presents... Thuja • Sluagh • The Gray Territory This is an all ages show in the DIY space. Main bar open with no cover for 21+ folks.
Tuesday, February 5 SIN Tuesdays Drink specials from 9 to midnight for OLCC card carriers, cabbies, Tri-Met workers, and shirtless firefighters.
Tuesday, February 5 • 9pm Breeeowr!!! F*ckenwaaah!!! FREE! 21+ Teams compete by trying to name classic rock and punk songs based on snippets of guitar solos. The two high scoring teams go head-to-head, and the champion team sends one member up against the clock for a chance to win $50 by naming 7 songs in 45 seconds. No pre-registration needed. Just grab up to four of yr friends and show up.
Within Spitting Distance of The Pearl
1033 NW 16th Ave. 971.229.1455 Everyday Noon - 2:30am
Happy Hour Mon - Fri noon-7pm • Sat - Sun 3-7pm Pop-A-Shot • Pinball Skee-ball • Air Hockey • Free Wi-Fi
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thursday–friday The other side of the coin is the mood that pervades Delffs’ vocals, and the instrumental performances from him and his bandmates. Even in the form of a piano ballad or jumpy folk pop, Sung is imbued with a spirit that can be joyful or ruminative, and occasionally—as with the loving ode to his “New Son”—a delightful combination of the two. ROBERT HAM. Holocene, 1001 SE Morrison St., 239-7639. 8:30 pm. $7. 21+.
Thee Headliners
[GARAGE MONSTERS] When guitarist Jeremy Terry and drummer Holly Morgan hit the stage under the moniker of Thee Headliners, there’s an undeniable electricity between the musicians, who forged their two-piece from a broken relationship and spent the past 10 years being overlooked as one of Portland’s best garage acts. Actually, “garage” hardly does justice to the band’s robust sound, which culminated in last year’s excellent The Kids Are Awry. These are two people who know their history, and as a result, Thee Headliners sets are like a rowdy trip through a wayback machine, tossing everything from obscure Elvis songs to surf, blues, country, punk and everything in between into a glorious cacophony of sound marked by a gritty edge. Moreover, that electricity is contagious, and when it beams out into an audience, it’s impossible not to be lulled into a manic dance trance. AP KRYZA. Kenton Club, 2025 N Kilpatrick St., 285-3718. 9 pm. Free. 21+.
Crushed Out, Desert Noises, Summer Cannibals
[SURF WAX AMERICANA] If Meg actually knew how to play the drums and Jack wasn’t so concerned with proving his blues pedigree (and expressed at least a minor interest in learning to surf), then the White Stripes might’ve sounded a bit like Crushed Out. On its debut full-length, Want to Give, the Brooklyn-based twopiece plays a similarly crunchy, garage-y take on midcentury American music, but with more swing, less arty artifice and a tinge of surf-rock twang. It won’t blow anyone’s mind, but it’ll certainly jolt everyone’s hips. MATTHEW SINGER. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3895. 9 pm. $6 advance, $8 day of show. 21+.
Muse
into the arena league in the past 10 years. England’s Muse is one of the few to blow up and hold on while maintaining some credibility. There’s nothing particularly new about Muse—and really, what truly “new” music would get played on the radio in 2013?—but the band has successfully hybridized some of the goods originally delivered by Queen, U2 and Radiohead. The latest Muse album, 2012’s The 2nd Law, is all about entropy and failing systems. It’s a good message to send to the masses, especially coming from a band that still seems to be on an upward trajectory with the best of intentions. NATHAN CARSON. Rose Garden, 1401 N Wheeler Ave., 235-8771. 7 pm. $35-$65.
FRIDAY, FEB. 1 Witch Mountain, Diesto, Solid Giant, Red Shield
[METAL CRACK] The long-simmering cauldron of sludge that is Portland’s Witch Mountain—which, standard disclosure, features WW contributor Nathan Carson on drums—is a gateway drug for doom metal. Even innocents to the world of gothic fonts and leather wrist cuffs will be lured in by the siren song of singer Uta Plotkin, whose formidable pipes produce big, bluesy wails that are more Pat Benatar than, say, Goatwhore. But before too long, you’ll start to find the thundering riffs and pentatonic screeches that lurk below those deceptively tuneful vocals become equally intoxicating, until eventually, Plotkin lets out a deep, bone-shaking growl and you throw your head back, raise your fists to the gods and roar along in delight. Then it’s too late for you, my friend—grow your hair out and start brushing up on your Finnish. This show celebrates the vinyl release of Witch Mountain’s 2012 album, the nationally praised Cauldron of the Wild. RUTH BROWN. Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. 9 pm. $8. 21+.
X, Fireballs of Freedom, No Tomorrow Boys
[PUNK ROOTS, ROOTS PUNK] To celebrate its 13th anniversary, Dante’s went out and booked the greatest American rock band of the past 30 years. Sure, X hasn’t recorded any new music in two decades—which probably means
[ARENA ROCK] So few rock bands have made that big step
AUTUMN DE WILDE
MUSIC
PRIMER
CONT. on page 29
BY M ARTIN C IZMA R
BEN FOLDS FIVE Formed: 1993 in Chapel Hill, N.C. Ended Sept. 11, 2001, the day leader Ben Folds’ first serious solo record, Rockin’ the Suburbs, came out. Re-formed a decade later to record a few songs. Folds, like Springsteen before him, missed his old buddies enough to get the band back together. Sounds like: Amanda Palmer’s nerdy boyfriend who plays drums for the marching band and is president of the AV club. For fans of: Referential piano-based pop music, The Rockford Files, Randy Newman. Latest release: The Sound of the Life of the Mind. Why you care: Because Ben Folds left money on the table to make this happen. Folds has been selling out theaters at large colleges for the past decade without the other two dudes, but he wants them anyway. As he told The Village Voice, “Getting the guys back together, you know, it’s actually a pay cut for me. But I’m into it because this is inspiring.” Why? Maybe the four-time divorcé just desperately needs partners in life. SEE IT: Ben Folds Five plays the Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave., on Tuesday, Feb. 5. 8 pm. $55. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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win tickets to KURT ROSENWINKEL NEW QUARTET
FEATURING AARON PARKS, ERIC REVIS + JUSTIN FAULKNER
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Food & drink
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Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
friday
The We Shared Milk, Sama Dams, Crotch
[PSYcH-PoP] Apparently, the We Shared Milk are on a campaign to become the “band’s band” of the Portland music scene. First, the psychedelic basement pop trio recorded its debut, The History of Voyager and Legend Tripping, and invited its closest musician buddies to produce each track. now, the band is headlining a weekly, monthlong residency at the Firkin tavern, a remodeled southeast dive previously known for the raucous gigs it hosted under the name the Jolly Inn, and, naturally, it’s taking the opportunity to shine some light on a few of its friends. throughout February, the We Shared Milk will share the stage with the likes of Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Father Figure, a Johnny cash cover band and corvallis’ Radion, which tWSM frontman Boone Howard describes as “our little brother band.” to kick off the series, the band has brought along avant-rock outfit Sama Dams and crotch, a side project of fellow rising locals, Animal Eyes. MAttHEW SInGER. The Firkin Tavern, 1937 SE 11th Ave., 206-7552. 8 pm. Free. 21+.
Reva DeVito, Shy Girls, Brownish Black
[SoUL SoUnDS] Reva DeVito just loves making you wait. the Portland soul singer, long whispered about in local soul and hip-hop circles before the whispers grew to a legitimate citywide buzz (DeVito placed ninth in WW’s 2012 Best new Band poll), has built an audience on the back of a pair of EPs that find her shining but perhaps not meeting the potential that her coolly joyful live shows evidence. nonetheless, DeVito’s fan base— the portion of it that hasn’t died of anticipation of a full-length— has continued to grow. tonight’s outing finds her sharing the stage with Shy Girls, whose fascinating and heartfelt minimalist take on new jack swing is worth getting very excited over, and the rollicking throwback soul act Brownish Black. All of this is yet more evidence that Mississippi Studios isn’t just for folk rock anymore. cASEY JARMAn. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3895. 9 pm. $10.
Excision, Paper Diamond, Vaski
[DUBStEP] the dubstep genre has lost its sheen. Due to oversaturation in the mainstream, it no longer shocks or awes you, which was really the appeal of its ridiculousness. this is a bummer for canadian-based producer Excision, who, along with his partner in crime, Datsik, really helped usher in the genre. His over-aggressive bass lines and transformer-sounding warps became the blueprint for thousands of imitators who took the sound from experimental and original to cookie-cutter. Perhaps stub-
cont. on page 30
PROFILE JoHn FERGUSon
it’s mostly been playing shows for the money since reuniting in the late ’90s—but the superlative stands. With Los Angeles, the group’s 1980 debut, L.A. punk finally had its definitive document, a record perfectly capturing the time and, crucially, the place in which it was made. From there, the blazing foursome went on to make three more flawless albums, and by the time of 1983’s More Fun in the New World, X had transcended both the city of Angels and punk itself to become the nation’s little band that could— or should have, at least. Although it’s coasted on cult legend for a while now, and some fresh material would actually be welcome, the fact is, the quartet hasn’t played a club this small since it was tearing up the Sunset Strip in the ’80s, and that makes this show simply unmissable—if you can get a ticket. MAttHEW SInGER. Dante’s, 350 W Burnside St., 226-6630. 9 pm. $25. 21+.
MUSIC
Robert Ham maps the fringes of Portland music. Biweekly on wweek.com
CODY CHESNUTT FRIDAY, FEB. 1 a singer repents and returns.
[REDEMPTION SONGS] “I used to smoke crack back in the day.” That blunt admission is how Cody Chesnutt begins “Everybody’s Brother,” a song from last year’s Landing on a Hundred, his first full-length album in a decade. You’d be forgiven for thinking he’s talking about himself, especially after listening to the record. Much of it is autobiographical, and plays like a man confessing to—and atoning for—past sins. But on that particular tune, written from the perspective of an addict and swindler turned Sunday-school teacher, the Atlanta-born soul singer drew from the struggles of those around him—his friends, family and the black community in general—to make a universal statement about redemption. Hearing Chesnutt talk about his time away from the music industry, though, you’d think he did spend the past 10 years in detox. In actuality, he was in rural Tallahassee, Fla., raising a family and finding God. “Being outside the metropolis, outside the urban environment, it cleanses you,” says Chesnutt, 44, over the phone, the voice of his young daughter in the background. “I didn’t think it would take 10 years, but it was the perfect amount of time for that to happen.” Indeed, on Landing on a Hundred, Chesnutt sounds like a changed man—to the point that the person performing on his last album is almost unrecognizable. In 2000, after getting put through the major-label ringer with his former band, the Crosswalk, Chesnutt holed up inside his manager’s house in Los Angeles with a four-track, a guitar and a drum machine, and emerged with The Headphone Masterpiece, a 36-track burst of unfiltered creative madness. At turns raunchy and righteous, skipping from rap to R&B to cocksure rock ’n’ roll, the album—which he self-released— is compellingly manic. Rolling Stone gave it four out of five stars; Vibe called it “the greatest rock album you’ve never heard.” He jammed with the Strokes on MTV, and gave the Roots their biggest hit when the hip-hop group covered his song “The Seed,” with Chesnutt’s velvet vocals singing the hook. Then, just as his career seemed to be peaking, he disappeared. “As a man and as an artist, I wanted to grow,” Chesnutt says. “And if I was going to grow, I had to start from the core, which is the spirit of the person. I opened myself up to that evolution.” Even as he retreated from the business, Chesnutt never walked away from music. He kept writing—including a full set of material he only performed live, then abandoned—until, a few years ago, he felt he had the right songs to make another record. Landing on a Hundred documents Chesnutt’s period of “cleansing.” “’Til I Met Thee,” the leadoff track, is his “road to Damascus story,” about how the birth of his son saved him from the wretch he used to be; on “That’s Still Mama,” Chesnutt sounds like he’s chastising his younger self for the misogyny that pocks The Headphone Masterpiece. And in contrast to that album’s ultra-lo-fi aesthetic, Hundred features a bright, classic soul sound. “That music is what I grew up on, and I love the feeling of it,” he says. “I wanted to bring that feeling, but have a 21st-century conversation.” Chesnutt says he’s already formulating ideas for a follow-up. It won’t happen immediately, but he offers one assurance: “It definitely won’t be 10 years.” MATTHEW SINGER. SEE IT: cody chesnutt plays Star theater, 13 nW 6th Ave., with Radiation city, on Friday, Feb. 1. 9 pm. $18. 21+. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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MUSIC
friday–sunday made McLeron’s early work sound so appealing. EMILEE BOOHER. East End, 203 SE Grand Ave., 232-0056. 9 pm. $6. 21+.
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Stephanie Schneiderman, Dirty Martini
Suit and tie and cocktail dreSS: lushy plays Spare room on Friday, Feb. 1. bornly, Excision has stuck to this blueprint with his latest singles, which have predictably failed to match the excitement of his earlier work. There’s something to admire in his perseverance, though. After the dubstep-laced Kmart commercials and movie previews are gone, chances are Excision will still be here. REED JACKSON. Roseland Theater, 8 NW 6th Ave., 224-2038. 8 pm. $35. All ages.
Lushy, the Satin Chaps, DJ Drew Groove
[LOUNGE FUNK] And now for something completely out of left field. Seattle’s Lushy plays Space Age martini music—a light, breezy cocktail of Brazilian-inspired exotica, full of swaying bossa nova rhythms, saxophone solos and retro-futurist synths that couldn’t feel less at home in Spare Room’s converted bowling alley bar. Even weirder? Lynval Golding, guitarist for British ska godheads the Specials and current Emerald City resident, is going to be sitting in with the band, and a slate of songs from the 2 Tone legends he used to run with is promised. Either Portland garage popsters the Satin Chaps, who apparently threw this show together, have a weird sense of humor, or maybe they know something about Stumptown divebar culture the rest of us aren’t yet hip to. MATTHEW SINGER. Spare Room, 4830 NE 42nd Ave., 2875800. 9 pm. $7. 21+.
SATURDAY, FEB. 2 FearNoMusic Presents Penelope (Song Cycle With My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden)
[POSTCLASSICAL SONG CYCLE] After 20 years of bringing Portland some of the most adventurous postclassical music, FearNoMusic, the new-music ensemble comprising some of the area’s finest classical players, is forging new connections between the rapidly converging worlds of art rock and indie postclassical, as in last year’s show at the Aladdin with cellist Zoe Keating. This time, with help from other Oregon Symphony members, it’s bringing My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden to reprise her rapturously received 2010 performance (with New York’s Signal ensemble) of composer Sarah Kirkland Snider’s radiant Penelope song cycle, inspired by The Odyssey, but viewed through the eyes of the protagonist’s long-suffering wife. BRETT CAMPBELL. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., 719-6055. 7:30 pm. $20-$35. Under 21 permitted with legal guardian.
The Toasters, Mrs. Skannotto, Hepsi, Original Middleage Ska Enjoy Club [SKA] The much-ballyhooed “third wave” of ska music crested about
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Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
15 years ago, and most of those waiting on its next big swell have long since been swept out to sea. That has not kept the Toasters— those former overlords of East Coast ska revivalism, whose Moon Ska label was long the most influential purveyor of pickituppickitup and huphuphup in the country—from marching valiantly on in earnest. Though catchy singles are few and far between, and even some devoted fans have trouble naming a member of the band, showgoers know exactly what they will get at a Toasters show: The band’s full, brassy, jangly sound remains recognizable after 30 years. A handful of rather soulful Northwest ska acts open what should be a sentimental and sweaty night. CASEY JARMAN. Ash Street Saloon, 225 SW Ash St., 226-0430. 9:30 pm. $10.
Emeli Sandé, Emily King, Jenna Andrews
[SOUL] She has a mohawk Billy Idol would’ve grown if he had the balls and a voice like Beyoncé without all the showy flourishes, and Nina Simone is her idol. Scottish singersongwriter Emeli Sandé seemed destined to join the ranks of these superstars from the start. For one, her lyrical content is as fierce as her mind. Shortly after dropping out of medical school, Sandé and her sister recorded her first video, an original song titled “Nasty Little Lady,” and it became a hit online. If that wasn’t enough to prove her predestined stardom, her birth name is Adele. Our Version of Events, Sandé’s 2012 debut, places her firmly within the pop spectrum, though exactly where is hard to tell. Soul—the warm, innocent kind—shines out while her energy level fluctuates from sleepy Joni Mitchell to energetic, “Rolling in the Deep”-style anthems. Sandé isn’t doing anything new in pop, but she’s doing a whole lot pretty damn well. MITCH LILLIE. Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E Burnside St., 231-9663. 9 pm. $13 advance, $15 day of show. 21+.
The World Radiant, A Breakthrough in Field Studies, the Low Haunts
[SUBDUED INDIE] There’s a quiet and understated quality to the World Radiant’s music that’s both intriguing and familiar. With a conversational and confiding tone, frontman Ross McLeron sings with ease against a simple palette of subtly sprawling acoustic and electric-guitar riffs, complementing key melodies and light percussion. The Portland band transitioned from McLeron’s solo project to a five-piece last year and subsequently released a batch of singles via Bandcamp that pave a promising path for a future full-length album. And thankfully, even with its larger roster of members, the group carefully harbors and accentuates the secretive and playful vibe that
[MELANCHOLY PIANO BALLADS] Portland’s Stephanie Schneiderman has a lovely, lilting voice that marries surprisingly well with her largely somber and pessimistic tracks. A lot of her songs are piano ballads with a funky flair to them—think Sara Bareilles without a full band. At times, the melodies she uses tend to crib themselves, which is an odd choice, but the songs are beautifully melancholy, nonetheless. A number of her songs bemoan relationships that have gone wrong and left her cold, jaded and perpetually waiting for the other shoe to drop, so it is fitting that this show is her annual “Anti-Valentine’s Day” concert, even if it is a tad early. EMILEE BOOHER. Jimmy Mak’s, 221 NW 10th Ave., 2956542. 8 pm. $14. All ages.
Black Prairie, Houndstooth
[SPRAWLING ACOUSTIC] Black Prairie’s 2012 sophomore album, A Tear in the Eye Is a Wound in the Heart, sounds like the group’s musical playground. With varying styles ranging from worldly instrumental tracks to folky songs centered on violinist and singer Annalisa Tornfelt’s soothing voice, the record entertains the dynamic curiosities of some undoubtedly talented musicians. But to fully know and experience what this band of local professionals has to offer, it’s crucial to see the quintet perform live. In every aspect of what they do—from Jon Neufeld’s guitar solos and Jenny Conlee-Drizos’ accordion fills to Nate Query’s bass lines and Chris Funk’s dobro work— the members of Black Prairie bring amazing skill and tightness to their shows that keep onlookers hooked. EMILEE BOOHER. Mississippi Studios, 3939 N Mississippi Ave., 288-3895. 9 pm. $15.
The Bylines
[VINTAGE POP] They might have changed their name from Marianna and the Baby Vamps last year and ditched the doo-wop that defined their sound, but Portland’s Bylines remain very much a vintage band, and in rebranding have also maintained their bubblegummy likability. Singer Marianna Thielen’s slinky smooth voice pairs perfectly with the sound culled from a mix of ’60s feel-goodery and Randy Newman at his poppiest, with pianos pounding out peppy melodies spiked with calland-response proclamations of love and hefty horn hits. Square? Sure, maybe a little. But that’s kind of the point, and it’s hard to think of a band that so accurately captures the giddy glee of big-band pop quite like the Bylines. AP KRYZA. Tony Starlight’s, 3728 NE Sandy Blvd., 5178584. 8 pm. $15. 21+.
SUNDAY, FEB. 3 Street Nights, Bear & Moose, Eidolons
[CLASSIC ROCK] Portland’s Street Nights may have had its original name, Nightmoves, stolen by a Minneapolis buzz band, but the group hasn’t let that slow it down— even though sharing its moniker with a Bob Seger jam was incredibly apt. Formed in 2011, the local supergroup—made up of members of Joggers, Guidance Counselor and Wild Ones—came together with the intent of bringing “elements of radio rock from our childhoods back into the fold here,” according to singer-guitarist Jake Morris, and it’s certainly accomplished that goal, playing music that, as described on the band’s Bandcamp page, is the sound of “classic rock without the excess or success.” That second part could soon change, however, with debut album You Have My Word scheduled for release in April. MATTHEW SINGER. Rontoms, 600 E Burnside St., 236-4536. 8:30 pm. Free. 21+.
MUSIC H a l S e y S wa i n
PROFILE
HALSEY “HALSEYCAUST” SWAIN Illustrator Halsey Swain speaks in a matter-of-fact, almost backwoods drawl. Though she has called Portland home for five years, she was born in Marblehead, Mass., not far from the other Salem. “I was born in Salem Hospital,” she says. “Believe it or not, I was born in room 666.” Looking at her art, that’s easy to believe. Under the punkderived handle Halseycaust, Swain has rendered highly detailed black-and-white line work for dozens of punk, crust and extreme-metal bands. Denver’s Havok hired her to render several grimacing skulls, and local band Lord Dying recently purchased a gruesome full-color monster with a handful of eyeballs to use as a T-shirt mascot and cover for its Powerblaster 7-inch. Her kindergarten art teacher proclaimed Swain was “born with a pencil in her hand.” But it was an old flame, Joel Grind of Portland thrash act Toxic Holocaust, who really helped push her work into the spotlight. “When I first met him, I said I was an artist,” Swain says. “He said, ‘Here’s another girl who says she’s an artist.’ His mind changed after he actually saw me draw shit.” Swain works out of her attic bedroom space in North Portland. The walls of her home are covered in framed pieces she’s done—a morbid gallery of lions, owls and skulls. Last year, Swain refocused her work on more personal subjects. “I like wildlife. I like animals,” she says. “It’s not a zombie holding a Flying V [guitar] in a graveyard with the moon in the background. People have asked me for the same thing 200 times over.” Real animals lurk around the house, too—her dog, Paul, robed in a red winter Santa coat; two cats; and another special friend. “I got one rattlesnake downstairs,” she says. “I had one that I caught that was very mean. I was changing its tank at one point, I bent over to get something and it struck through the screen and sprayed venom all over my face and into my eyes. I went and washed it out really quick, and I was so pissed I threw the thing in the freezer. It’s still in there.” As Swain’s subject matter has matured, so have her opportunities. Her first gallery show in New York led to the sale of a “monstrous piece with all this crazy detail” for $1,800. She says the show’s organizer is confident in her future. “He said my stuff is probably gonna take off, especially because I’m a broad,” Swain says. “I guess in the art scene, the whole ‘chick thing’ is really in right now. [But] the last thing I want to do is talk to art people. They drive me nuts.” Though she proclaims herself anti-social and a thorough Luddite (“I just don’t like computers,” she says), Swain is both charming and uncensored. When she doesn’t like something, it’s “crap.” When she gets enthused, everything is “wicked good.” She is that rare artist apprenticed from birth by a supportive mother with a serious art career of her own. “She loves [my art],” Swain says. “She used to ride motorcycles and had a Mohawk. I hate to admit it, but I’m just like her.” NATHAN CARSON. The wild life and wildlife of Portland’s most extreme visual artist.
This is the second in a multipart series on Portland’s musical infrastructure—the people, places and institutions that allow the scene to thrive. MORE: See Halsey Swain’s artwork at halseyswain.com. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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MUSIC CALENDAR
jan. 30–feb. 5 LaurelThirst
= WW Pick. Highly recommended. Editor: Jonathan Frochtzwajg. TO HAVE YOUR EVENT LISTED, send show information at least two weeks in advance on the web at wweek.com/submitevents or (if you book a specific venue) enter your events at dbmonkey.com/wweek. Press kits, CDs and especially vinyl can be sent to Music Desk, WW, 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Please include show or release date information with all physical mailings. Email: music@wweek.com.
EMELISANDE.COM
For more listings, check out wweek.com.
2958 NE Glisan St. The Yellers, Connell/ Dwyer (9:30 pm); The Left Coast Roasters (6 pm)
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave. Baby & the Pearl Blowers (9 pm); Samsel and the Skirt (6 pm)
Mock Crest Tavern 3435 N Lombard St. David Brothers
Mount Tabor Theater
4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Strangled Darlings, Altadore, Closely Watched Trains, Midnight Parade
Muddy Rudder Public House 8105 SE 7th Ave. Renegade Stringband
O’Connor’s Vault
7850 SW Capitol Highway Kathy James Sextet
Original Halibut’s II 2527 NE Alberta St. Terry Robb
Rose Garden
1401 N Wheeler Ave. Muse
Rotture
315 SE 3rd Ave. Animal Eyes, Kithkin, Rare Monk
Secret Society Lounge
116 NE Russell St. Josh Hoke, Daughtertalk, the Ultimate Bearhug (9 pm); The Quadraphonnes (6 pm)
BLOnd aMBITIOn: emeli Sandé plays doug Fir Lounge on Saturday, Feb. 2.
Wed. Jan. 30 al’s den at the Crystal Hotel 303 SW 12th Ave. Mimi Naja (of Fruition)
andina
1314 NW Glisan St. Jason Okamoto
ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St. Jagula, Sioux City Pete and the Beggars, Kayla Sega, the Gates
Backspace
115 NW 5th Ave. Steady Approach, Dylan Jakobsen, the Harm, Walter & the Conquerer, Altadore
Brasserie Montmartre
626 SW Park Ave. Grant Sayler Experiment
doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St. Wovenhand, 1939 Ensemble
duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. Suburban Slim’s Blues Jam (9 pm); High Flyer Trio (6 pm)
east Burn
1800 E Burnside St. Irish Jam
Goodfoot Lounge 2845 SE Stark St. Yak Attack, Sexy Offenders, DJ Guda
Holocene
1001 SE Morrison St. Minden, Yourself and the Air, Yours
Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant 1435 NW Flanders St. David Friesen Quintet
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Carl Solomon, Sean Archer Malachi, Graham Avery Hill
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave. The Mel Brown Quartet
Kelly’s Olympian
426 SW Washington St. Listener, the Beauty
Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St.
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Jake Ray (9 pm); Bob Shoemaker (6 pm)
LaurelThirst
2958 NE Glisan St. Mark Sexton Band (9 pm); Scott Law with Ducky Pig (6 pm)
Lents Commons
9201 SE Foster Road Open Mic
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave. Dusty Grimm (9:30 pm); Mr. Hoo (12 pm)
Music Millennium
3158 E Burnside St. Paul Kelly, Josh Hoke
Portland Police athletic association
Vie de Boheme
1530 SE 7th Ave. Smut City Jellyroll Society
White eagle Saloon
Wilfs Restaurant & Bar
Corkscrew Wine Bar
800 NW 6th Ave. Ron Steen Band with Karen Maria Capo and Joe Millward
THuRS. Jan. 31 al’s den at the Crystal Hotel 303 SW 12th Ave. Mimi Naja (Fruition)
Red and Black Cafe
andina
1000 SE Yamhill St Alameda, Bike Thief
Suki’s Bar & Grill 2401 SW 4th Ave. Tom Lyons
The Blue diamond
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. The Fenix Project
The Old Church
1422 SW 11th Ave. Michael Barnes
The Press Club
2621 SE Clinton St. Perola Brasileira
Thirsty Lion
71 SW 2nd Ave. Jordan Harris
Thorne Lounge
4260 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Open Mic
Tony Starlight’s
3728 NE Sandy Blvd. Bo Ayars
Tube
18 NW 3rd Ave. Erik Anarchy, Timmy the Terror and the Winter Coats, Lick
Valentine’s
232 SW Ankeny St. Thanks, Break Up Flowers, Sun & Fun
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
Club 21
2035 NE Glisan St. Freedom Club, Sleeptalkers, Rat Party
alberta Rose Theatre
Roadside attraction
430 N Killingsworth St. Chris Phillips
836 N Russell St. Bitterroot, the Ruby Pines
618 SE Alder St. Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble 400 SE 12th Ave. The Chain, Teenspot
Chapel Pub
3000 NE Alberta St. Liz Longley 1314 NW Glisan St. Greg Wolfe Trio
artichoke Community Music 3130A SE Hawthorne Blvd. Open Mic
ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St. Succor, Crime Machine, Chronic Tomb, Compulsive Slasher
Backspace
115 NW 5th Ave. Philip Grass, Yiota, Tabor Dark
Barlow Tavern
6008 N Greeley Ave. Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Au Dunes, Sad Horse
Biddy McGraw’s
6000 NE Glisan St. Beautiful Grateful Dead Jam
Brasserie Montmartre 626 SW Park Ave. Paul Paresa and the People
Buffalo Gap Saloon
6835 SW Macadam Ave. Karma, Chris Baron
Camellia Lounge 510 NW 11th Ave. Dr. Scott’s Electric Hairbrush
1669 SE Bybee Blvd. Inspirational Beets
doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St. Built to Spill, Finn Riggins
duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. Rick Estrin & the Nightcats
east Burn
1800 E Burnside St. Eat off Your Banjo Bluegrass
east end
203 SE Grand Ave. Soft Kill, Warm Hands, Prescription Pills, Industrial Park
Gemini Lounge
6526 SE Foster Road Eric Vanderwall
Goodfoot Lounge
2845 SE Stark St. Scott Pemberton Trio
Holocene
1001 SE Morrison St. Death Songs, Desert Days, Ah God
Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant 1435 NW Flanders St. Tom Grant Trio & Toni Lincoln
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Tom Ryan
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave. The Mel Brown B3 Organ Group
Kelly’s Olympian
426 SW Washington St. Mufassa, Tigress, What Did You Do
Kenton Club
2025 N Kilpatrick St. Thee Headliners
Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St. The Pickups (8:30 pm); Chris Miller Band (6 pm)
Sellwood Public House 8132 SE 13th Ave. Open Mic
Slim’s Cocktail Bar 8635 N Lombard St. Tevis Hodge Jr.
The Blue diamond
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. Ben Jones
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont St. Randy Foote & the Skankin’ Yankees
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St. Swamp Devil, Mammoth Salmon, Disenchanter
The Press Club
2621 SE Clinton St. Hot Club of Hawthorne
Thirsty Lion
71 SW 2nd Ave. Robert Meade
Tiger Bar
317 NW Broadway Karaoke from Hell
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy Blvd. Open Mic
Vie de Boheme
1530 SE 7th Ave. Camille Coldeen, Brother of the Silver Star, Anthony Medici, Caroline Chaparro, Nature Thief
White eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St. Marca Luna, Subject Body (8:30 pm); Brothers of the Hound (5:30 pm)
Wilfs Restaurant & Bar
800 NW 6th Ave. Ellen Whyte, Gene & Jean
FRI. FeB. 1 al’s den at the Crystal Hotel
andina
1314 NW Glisan St. JB Butler
arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 SW Broadway The Canadian Tenors with the Oregon Symphony
artichoke Community Music
3130A SE Hawthorne Blvd. Friday Night Coffeehouse
ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St. Witch Mountain, Diesto, Solid Giant, Red Shield
Backspace
115 NW 5th Ave. Mosby, Icarus the Owl, the Crash Engine, the Toy Gun Conspiracy, For the Life of Me
Berbati
3435 N Lombard St. Suburban Slim
Mount Tabor Theater
4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Joey Porter with Earphunk (Stevie Wonder tribute, concert hall); Sellassie, J Measy, Buchanan (lounge)
Muddy Rudder Public House 8105 SE 7th Ave. Marc Black
nel Centro
1408 SW 6th Ave. Mike Pardew
Biddy McGraw’s
8 NE Killingsworth St. Steelhymen, Contempt, Pelicans
6000 NE Glisan St. Manimalhouse (9:30 pm); Lynn Conover (6 pm)
Camellia Lounge 510 NW 11th Ave. Kelsey Lindstrom
Clyde’s Prime Rib
5474 NE Sandy Blvd. Norman Sylvester
dante’s
350 W Burnside St. X, Fireballs of Freedom, No Tomorrow Boys
doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St. Built to Spill, Finn Riggins
duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. Shanghai Woolies (9 pm); The Hamdogs (6 pm)
east Burn
1800 E Burnside St. Pagan Jug Band
east end
203 SE Grand Ave. Fontaine Classic, the Autonomics, the Holy Child
Ford Food and drink 2505 SE 11th Ave. Eagles of Freedom
Hawthorne Theatre
3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd. D.R.I., Rendered Useless, Guillotine, American Roulette
Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant 1435 NW Flanders St. Gary Hobbs Sextet
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Drew Tucker (8 pm); Annie Vergnetti (6 pm)
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave. Stan Bock and the New Tradition
Katie O’Briens
4627 NE Fremont St. Hawaiian Music
Original Halibut’s II 2527 NE Alberta St. Shirley Nannette
Record Room
Red Room
2530 NE 82nd Ave. Shot of Mercury, the Control Freaks, I Digress, Second Player Score
Red Star Tavern & Roast House
503 SW Alder St On-Q, Ms. Glenda Pullem, Pastor Mary Merriweather (Oregon Black History Month Celebration)
Secret Society Lounge
116 NE Russell St. Jody Katopothis, Rob Stroup and the Blame, the Don of Division Street (9 pm); Bossa Nossa (6 pm)
Slim’s Cocktail Bar
8635 N Lombard St. Threadbear, Bumpin’ Nastys, Too Long Sparks
Spare Room
4830 NE 42nd Ave. Lushy, the Satin Chaps, DJ Drew Groove
Star Theater
13 NW 6th Ave. Cody Chesnutt, Radiation City
The Blue diamond
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont St. Trio Subtonic
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St. Bath Party, Wire Eyes, Lunar Grave
Thirsty Lion
71 SW 2nd Ave. Will Bradley
Tony Starlight’s
3728 NE Sandy Blvd. 3 Leg Torso
Peter Yarrow, Tom May, Fuzzy Purcell, Donny Wright, the Rite of Spring, Beth Wood, Jim Page, Dick Weissman, Sky in the Road, Duncan Phillips, Doug Smith, Judy Koch Smith
alberta Rose Theatre
3000 NE Alberta St. Penelope (song cycle with Shara Worden, of My Brightest Diamond)
andina
1314 NW Glisan St. Toshi Onizuka
ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St. The Toasters, Mrs. Skannotto, Hepsi, Original Middleage Ska Enjoy Club
Backspace
115 NW 5th Ave. Election Year, Bashface, Waldendrive
Benson Hotel
309 SW Broadway Bill Beach Duo
Biddy McGraw’s
6000 NE Glisan St. David Hart Kingsberry (9:30 pm); The Barkers (6:30 pm)
Branx
320 SE 2nd Ave. YOB, Rolling Through the Universe, Usnea
Brody Theater
16 NW Broadway Roy Zimmerman
Camellia Lounge
510 NW 11th Ave. Dan Gaynor Quartet
Club 21
2035 NE Glisan St. The Anxieties, the Food, Pitchfork Motorway
Clyde’s Prime Rib
5474 NE Sandy Blvd. Cool Breeze
dante’s
350 W Burnside St. Monsters of Rock PDX 3
doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St. Emeli Sandé, Emily King, Jenna Andrews
duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. The Strange Tones
east Burn
1800 E Burnside St. Kenchuckey Darvey
east end
203 SE Grand Ave. The World Radiant, A Breakthrough in Field Studies, the Low Haunts
Fifteenth avenue Hophouse
1517 NE Brazee St. Steve Cheseborough
Goodfoot Lounge
2845 SE Stark St. Jon Wayne and the Pain, World’s Finest
Hawthorne Hophouse 4111 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Karyn Patridge
Hawthorne Theatre
3862 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Sisyphean Conscience, When They Invade, Censure, From Here to Eternity
2809 NE Sandy Blvd. Truth Vibration, Hawthorne, Dr. Stahl, Avenue Victor Hugo
Vie de Boheme
Kelly’s Olympian
836 N Russell St. Garcia Birthday Band (9 pm); Reverb Brothers (5:30 pm)
Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant
Wilfs Restaurant & Bar
Jade Lounge
426 SW Washington St. Technicolor Caterpillar, City Squirrel, the Verner Pantons, Lawless Religion
Kenton Club
alberta Rose Theatre
4847 SE Division St. Ron Rodgers & the Wailing Wind
3000 NE Alberta St. Betty on the Floor, Crowhawk, Nothing Said, Jet Force Gemini, Floyd Cruse & the Darkstar Band, Patrick G. Moran, Ozymandias, Zero Season, No Passengers
Mock Crest Tavern
noho’s Hawaiian Cafe
aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave. Leroy Bell & His Only Friends
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi Ave. Reva DeVito, Shy Girls, Brownish Black
231 SW Ankeny St. Cool Nutz, Stewart Villain, Maniac Lok, Stevo Triple SB, Load B, Al One, DJ Fatboy, DJ Danny Merkury (DJ Fatboy Foot Fetish Fantasy Birthday Ball)
2025 N Kilpatrick St. The Hitman Hearts, Gun Party, Primitive Idols, Tijuana Zebras
303 SW 12th Ave. Mimi Naja (of Fruition)
Krebsic Orkestar, DJ E3 (9 pm); Jenny Sizzler (6 pm)
Landmark Saloon
LaurelThirst
2958 NE Glisan St. The Student Loan (9:30 pm); Tree Frogs (6 pm)
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave.
1530 SE 7th Ave. The Sportin’ Lifers
White eagle Saloon
800 NW 6th Ave. Tom Grant with Shelly Rudolph
SaT. FeB. 2 al’s den at the Crystal Hotel 303 SW 12th Ave. Mimi Naja (of Fruition)
aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.
1435 NW Flanders St. Eugenie Jones Quartet 2346 SE Ankeny St. AM Exchange, Hello Citizen (8 pm); Kira Lesley (6 pm)
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave. Stephanie Schneiderman, Dirty Martini
Katie O’Briens
2809 NE Sandy Blvd. The Vacillators, the Mormon Trannys, Cussed Hollow
Kelly’s Olympian
426 SW Washington St.
jan. 30–feb. 5 Saturday Night Drive
Clyde’s Prime Rib
LaurelThirst
5474 NE Sandy Blvd. Ron Steen Jazz Jam
Duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. Lionel Young Band
East End
203 SE Grand Ave. Calvin Wright’s Ultimate Visions, Bi Marks, Life Form
Foggy Notion
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave. Mr. Ben
Muddy Rudder Public House 8105 SE 7th Ave. Lloyd Jones
The Blue Diamond
Ford Food and Drink
White Eagle Saloon
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. Sumo 836 N Russell St. Samsel and the Skirt
Gemini Lounge
6526 SE Foster Road B. Durrazo
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Dan Cecil
VISIONS OF VENICE: Rarely is a bar so obviously the product of its owner’s dreams as Bar Alla Bomba (1101 E Burnside St., 971-266-8756, barallabomba.com). The bar was at a very low simmer during a recent Thursday happy hour—a crowd the bartender says was larger than the entire previous night. The newly minted bar is in a location thought to be cursed, home to four bars in about six years. “I feel like if I stay true to my vision, my customers will find me,” he says, staring wistfully across the bar and out the windows. The vision? A night in Venice filled with summery, bittersweet cocktails and cicchetti: little Italian bar snacks and mini-panini. On a cold winter night, the vision seemed distant. The bar’s architecture takes its personality mostly from its beautiful rock-cobbled bar top, made with stones culled from the Willamette River. But the small-plates menu is surprisingly cheap and faithful to its Venetian model, featuring $2-to-$6 dishes of boar sausage, salt cod or baby octopus in squid ink. The Italian cocktail menu—a world of Aperol, Campari and sweet vermouth—is much more expensive, ranging up to $12. I’d advise arriving for happy hour (4-7 pm), which features a $5 bartender’s choice. MATTHEW KORFHAGE.
Kelly’s Olympian
426 SW Washington St. Ape Machine, Adam Bones, the Tomorrow People, Throwback Suburbia
Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St. Jake Ray and Ian Miller
LaurelThirst
2958 NE Glisan St. Dan Haley with Tim Acott (9:30 pm); Freak Mountain Ramblers (6 pm)
Kenton Club
Red Room
2025 N Kilpatrick St. The Caste, the Hague, Glass Bones
Landmark Saloon
2530 NE 82nd Ave. Raven Eye, Mursa, Chronological Injustice, Shotgun Overdose
LaurelThirst
116 NE Russell St. Dominic Castillo
Mississippi Pizza
1033 NW 16th Ave. Thrones, Megaton Leviathan, Winter in the Blood, Withering of Light
4847 SE Division St. Sentimental Gentlemen 2958 NE Glisan St. Pagan Jug Band (9:30 pm); The James Low Western Front (6 pm) 3552 N Mississippi Ave. Waxwings (6 pm); Professor Banjo (4 pm)
Secret Society Lounge
Slabtown
Slim’s Cocktail Bar
Mississippi Studios
8635 N Lombard St. Charlie Darwins, Child Children, Mysterious Creature
Mock Crest Tavern
13 NW 6th Ave. Just People, Mr. Wu, Worth
Mount Tabor Theater
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. New Iberians
3939 N Mississippi Ave. Black Prairie, Houndstooth 3435 N Lombard St. The Adequates
4811 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Joey Porter (Stevie Wonder tribute, concert hall); New York City Queens (lounge)
Muddy Rudder Public House 8105 SE 7th Ave. Howard Wade
Nel Centro
1408 SW 6th Ave. Mike Pardew, Dave Captein, Randy Rollofson
Noho’s Hawaiian Cafe 4627 NE Fremont St. Hawaiian Music
Original Halibut’s II 2527 NE Alberta St. Reggie Houston
Record Room
8 NE Killingsworth St.
Star Theater
The Blue Diamond
The Blue Monk
3341 SE Belmont St. Midnight Serenaders
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St. Ben Durazzo
The Lovecraft
421 SE Grand Ave. Working Class Zeroes
Thirsty Lion
71 SW 2nd Ave. Brian Odell, DJ Soulshaker
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy Blvd. Bearcubbin, Sleep Lady, Rainbows
Tony Starlight’s
3728 NE Sandy Blvd. The Bylines
Al’s Den at the Crystal Hotel 303 SW 12th Ave. John Phelan
Andina
NEPO 42
5403 NE 42nd Ave. Open Mic
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell St. Malt Ball: Radiation City, Sons of Huns, And And And, Gaytheist, Wooden Indian Burial Ground, Divers, Caleb Klauder Country Band, Old Light, Hausu, Marty Marquis, Blood Beach, Street Nights
SuN. FEB. 3 Al’s Den at the Crystal Hotel 303 SW 12th Ave. John Phelan
Alice Coltrane Memorial Coliseum
5135 NE 42nd Ave. Little Debbie, Million Brazilians, Soup Purse, the Moongame
Andina
1314 NW Glisan St. Danny Romero
Ash Street Saloon
225 SW Ash St. Autumn Electric, the Magic Beats, Those Willows, Chelsea Smith
Biddy McGraw’s
6000 NE Glisan St. Felim Egan
Branx
320 SE 2nd Ave.
White Eagle Saloon 836 N Russell St. Lustful Monks
MON. FEB. 4 Al’s Den at the Crystal Hotel
350 W Burnside St. Karaoke from Hell
Doug Fir Lounge
830 E Burnside St. Adam Green & Binki Shapiro, Duover
Duff’s Garage
1635 SE 7th Ave. Lily Wilde Orchestra
East End
203 SE Grand Ave. The Hugs, Sexy Water Spiders, Blacklights
MON. FEB. 4
Tiga
510 NW 11th Ave. Steve Christofferson, Tom Wakeling, David Evans, Todd Strait
Duff’s Garage
2845 SE Stark St. Radula
Ivories Jazz Lounge and Restaurant 1435 NW Flanders St. Ron Steen Jam
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Colin Johnson
Jimmy Mak’s
31 NW 1st Ave. K Theory, Avery, Ekim
Mississippi Pizza
3552 N Mississippi Ave. Those Willows
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi Ave. Seapony, Rose Melberg, the Happening
Mock Crest Tavern
8 NW 6th Ave. Ben Folds Five, Nataly Dawn
The Blue Diamond
2016 NE Sandy Blvd. Rhoades, Porter and Draper
31 NW 1st Ave. Nom de Strip, Hatiras, Nathaniel Knows, Jose Sosa
Tiga
1465 NE Prescott St. Mikie Lixxx
412 NE Beech St. DJ Never Forget
231 SW Ankeny St. DJ Deff Ro
CC Slaughters
SAT. FEB. 2 Beech Street Parlor
219 NW Davis St. Hip Hop Heaven with DJ Detroit Diezel
Dig a Pony
736 SE Grand Ave. Loose Fit with DJ Maxx Bass
Star Bar
2958 NE Glisan St. Jackstraw
The Whiskey Bar
THuRS. JAN. 31
Someday Lounge
4847 SE Division St. Honky Tonk Union
421 SE Grand Ave. Brickbat Mansion: DJs Curatrix, Wednesday
1465 NE Prescott St. DJ Coldyron
221 NW 10th Ave. The Mel Brown Septet (8 pm); Kari Newhouse (6:30 pm)
Roseland Theater
Dante’s
639 SE Morrison St. Interstellar Meltdown: DJs CJ, Ashley
Camellia Lounge
Andina
225 SW Ash St. Open Mic
SuN. FEB. 3 Star Bar
CC Slaughters
3435 N Lombard St. Johnnie Ward & the Eagle Ridin’ Papas
Ash Street Saloon
1465 NE Prescott St. DJ Ramophone
The Lovecraft
303 SW 12th Ave. John Phelan
1314 NW Glisan St. Pete Krebs
Rotture
639 SE Morrison St. DJs Natron, Melodymaker
Tiga
The Whiskey Bar
LaurelThirst
232 SW Ankeny St. Exotic Club, Extralone, Smoke Rings
Roseland Theater
511 NW Couch St. TRONix with Logical Aggression
31 NW 1st Ave. Habit Forming Sessions: Jamie Meushaw, Evan Alexander, Crokoloco
1028 SE Water Ave. The Tumblers, Ruby Feathers
Bunk Bar
Valentine’s
800 NW 6th Ave. Mia Nicholson Trio
The Crown Room
315 SE 3rd Ave. Shutup & Dance with DJ Gregarious
736 SE Grand Ave. DJs Sahelsounds, Cuica
The Whiskey Bar
Beech Street Parlor
White Eagle Saloon
Wilfs Restaurant & Bar
Star Bar
8 NW 6th Ave. Excision, Paper Diamond, Vaski
Dig a Pony
421 SE Grand Ave. Miss Prid
639 SE Morrison St. Blank Friday with DJ Paultimore
Landmark Saloon
836 N Russell St. Rubella Graves, Cutbank, Rich West Blatt and the Once in a While Sky (9:30 pm); the Student Loan (4:30 pm)
Ground Kontrol
1001 SE Morrison St. Fresh.: Plastic Plates, BennyRox, Photon! (9 pm); Aperitivo Happy Hour: DJs One Crate, Night Comfort (5 pm)
The Lovecraft
Star Bar
Slim’s Cocktail Bar 8635 N Lombard St. Suburban Slim
Holocene
219 NW Davis St. Trick with DJ Robb
Berbati
8105 SE 7th Ave. Irish Music
2845 SE Stark St. DJ Magneto
CC Slaughters
Goodfoot Lounge
Muddy Rudder Public House
Goodfoot Lounge
412 NE Beech St. Todos Santos
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi Ave. Tumbleweed Wanderers, Tango Alpha Tango
‘80s Video Dance Attack with VJ Kittyrox
205 NW 4th Ave. Proper Movement: Tyler Keys, Jed Black, Izaiah, Jaybird, MC Lynxx
1314 NW Glisan St. Neftali Rivera
Vie de Boheme 1530 SE 7th Ave. Cameron Quick
WED. JAN. 30
Beech Street Parlor
3552 N Mississippi Ave. Plum Hill
639 SE Morrison St. Go French Yourself! with DJ Cecilia Paris
Beech Street Parlor
1635 SE 7th Ave. Dover Weinberg Quartet (9 pm); Trio Bravo (6 pm)
1033 NW 16th Ave. Thuja, Sluagh, the Gray Territory Busy Scissors, Sweet Tooth, Christian Profeta
TuES. FEB. 5
Star Bar
Mississippi Pizza
Slabtown
The Hoons, the Secret Ceremony
Whiteout: El Capitan, Octaban, Trouble, Ginkgo
2958 NE Glisan St. Kung Pao Chickens (9 pm); Portland Country Underground (6 pm)
3416 N Lombard St. Alex’s Hand, Atlas and the Astronaut, A Happy Death 2505 SE 11th Ave. Tim Roth
MUSIC CALENDAR
125 NW 5th Ave. DJ Eliazar, Global Ruckus, Sknny Mrcls 639 SE Morrison St. DJ Dirty Red
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St. Eye Candy
Tiga
1465 NE Prescott St. DJ Coloured Glass
Valentine’s
232 SW Ankeny St. TLC Country Night
FRI. FEB. 1 Beech Street Parlor 412 NE Beech St. Musique Plastique
CC Slaughters
219 NW Davis St. Fetish Friday with DJ Jakob Jay
412 NE Beech St. Lord Smithingham
CC Slaughters
219 NW Davis St. Revolution with DJ Robb
Fez Ballroom
316 SW 11th Ave. DJ TJ
Gold Dust Meridian 3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd. DJs Gregarious, Disorder
Holocene
412 NE Beech St. Sex Life DJs
219 NW Davis St. Maniac Monday with DJ Robb
Kelly’s Olympian
426 SW Washington St. Eye Candy VJs
Star Bar
639 SE Morrison St. Metal Monday with DJ Nate C
The Know
2026 NE Alberta St. Going Mental Monday with DJ Just Dave
Tiga
1465 NE Prescott St. THC DJs
Tonic Lounge
3100 NE Sandy Blvd. DJ Wet Finger
TuES. FEB. 5 Ash Street Saloon 225 SW Ash St. Phreak
Beech Street Parlor 412 NE Beech St. DJ El Dorado
1001 SE Morrison St. Booty Bassment: Dmitri Dickinson, Maxx Bass, Nathan Detroit
CC Slaughters
Lola’s Room at the Crystal Ballroom
Eagle Portland
1332 W Burnside St. Come As You Are
Rotture
315 SE 3rd Ave. Andaz with DJ Anjali & the Incredible Kid
Secret Society Lounge
116 NE Russell St. Soulciety: DJs Drew Groove, Katrina Martiani
219 NW Davis St. Girltopia with DJ Alicious 835 N Lombard St DMTV with DJ Danimal
Star Bar
639 SE Morrison St. DJ Bradly
The Lovecraft
421 SE Grand Ave. Tom Waits Night
Tiga
1465 NE Prescott St. DJ Party Animal
Someday Lounge 125 NW 5th Ave.
Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside St.
Valentine’s
c i r c l e t a l e n t a g e n c y. c o m
leahnash.com
BAR SPOTLIGHT
Emilie Autumn
232 SW Ankeny St. Raymond Byron and the White Freighter, Paulo Zappoli
White Eagle Saloon
836 N Russell St. Lefty & the Twin, Anna and the Underbelly, Denim Wedding
Goodfoot Lounge 2845 SE Stark St. Open Mic
Jade Lounge
2346 SE Ankeny St. Elie Charpentier
Jimmy Mak’s
221 NW 10th Ave. The Dan Balmer Band
Landmark Saloon
4847 SE Division St.
DuBSTEP NINJA: Excision plays the Roseland Theater on Friday, Feb. 1. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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Visual arts
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Symphony of the Goddesses
March 16 | 7:30 pm A Multi-media concert event with the Oregon Symphony!
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Gallery listinGs & more! Page 37
ARLENE SCHNITZER CONCERT HALL
UPCOMING IN-STORE PERFORMANCES
CA N A DA
TONIGHT!
COMPAGNIE
JOSH HOKE
WEDNESDAY 1/30 @ 6 PM
With guitar in hand and more than a touch of soul, Josh Hoke’s voice invites you into the sacred, rustic space of tired hope, or along the crisp precipice of wailing anticipation. Gritty and fresh as the day you were born, and as calming as a breeze over fields of new mown hay on a warm summer night. The passion and visceral experience of his live performance has been captured in his debut album, ‘Ghosts and Glory’.
TONIGHT ONLY PORTLAND PERFORMANCE! WEDNESDAY 1/30 @ 7:30 PM
PAUL KELLY
“Dance that is beautiful, vulnerable, combative, and vibrant.” La Presse (Canada)
“One of the finest songwriters I have ever heard, Australian or otherwise.”
-David Fricke from Rolling Stone
THE RITE OF SPRING
In a career that’s spanned more than 30 years, Kelly has released a steady stream of albums showcasing his emotionally vivid, musically expansive songwriting and his uncanny ability to distill a novel’s worth of narrative and character detail into an effortlessly melodic pop tune. ‘Spring and Fall’, his 19th studio album, ranks with the seminal Australian singer-songwriter’s most memorable and resonant work, demonstrating why he’s virtually a national hero in his home country and one of the most celebrated songwriters on the planet.
Photo: Marie Chouinard - Dancer: Dominique Porte.
WHITE BIRD
TOMORR O W - S ATU RDAY
JANUARY 31 FEBRUARY 2
Lincoln Hall Portland State University, 8pm
SONGWRITERS CIRCLE: JEFF “JD” DAWSON • JAIME LEOPOLD • JACK MCMAHON MONDAY 2/4 @ 7 PM
Jeff “JD” Dawson has performed his music for the last forty years from Oregon to Mexico and New York to California. He has opened shows for Pete Seeger, Dave Bromberg, Bukka White, and jazzman Jeremy Steig. He was also one of the few acoustic blues guitar acts to play the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 1979. Jaime Leopold was in the original Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks band. He is now fronting his own cracker-jack band, The Short Stories featuring violinist Sid Page. With Jaime Leopold and the Short Stories, every tune’s a tale, every tale’s a journey, and every journey’s a one way street to soulsville, where you’ll find Jaime, once more, casting off the devil’s voice and hoping for angels. Jack McMahon is a performing songwriter as well host and organizer of the Music Millennium Songwriters’ Showcase. McMahon has been a working musician for all of his adult life and over the years has fronted some of Portland’s more notable bands (Tracks, The Chameleons, Jack McMahon & Friends).
ANCIENT VVISDOM SUNDAY 2/10 @ 4 PM Tickets: www.whitebird.org Info/Groups: 503-245-1600 ext. 201 34
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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jan. 30–feb. 5
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= WW Pick. Highly recommended. Most prices listed are for advance ticket sales. At-the-door increases and so-called convenience charges may apply, so it’s best to call ahead. Editor: REBECCA JACOBSON. Theater: REBECCA JACOBSON (rjacobson@ wweek.com). Classical: BRETT CAMPBELL (bcampbell@wweek.com). Dance: HEATHER WISNER (dance@wweek.com). TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LISTINGS, submit information at least two weeks in advance to: rjacobson@wweek.com.
Fertile Ground Festival The festival of world-premiere theater and dance returns for its fifth year, with about 90 full productions, readings and workshops taking place all over the city during the course of 11 days. Fertile Ground productions are . Multiple venues. marked with a Through Sunday, Feb. 3. Full festival pass $50 at fertilegroundpdx.org, individual tickets vary.
THEATER (...)
Like any intentionally unpronounceable play, Fuse Theatre Ensemble’s (…) raises flags. For the majority of theatergoers, the play’s lack of an alphanumeric title will raise a big red one. Brecht-worshipping intellectuals, on the other hand, will be waving two giant green flags like airplane marshallers, guiding the great winged (…) into Terminal X, for arrivals of uncompromising experimental theater. Thankfully, both camps are dead wrong. Directed by Rusty Tennant, (…), subtitled An experiment in repetition, opens with one man and two women (Gerrin Mitchell, Christina Markowski and Kate Mura, respectively), seated together on a couch and lit only by the screens of their cellphones. Their lines are initially nonsense. “Is that...?” one asks, murkily answered with “Do you think this is what I meant by that?” A MacBook’s telltale quack betrays the goofy music’s unfortunate GarageBand origins. When the lights come up, bare-bones conversations emerge. “What is that?” one woman asks. “What?” the other replies. “OK...” She wavers between question and answer. “OK,” the other confirms. All the conversations, clearly romantic dramas, repeat the same 20 or so lines, with small textual variations and plenty of ever-changing emotion thrown in to keep it interesting. Music and esoteric opening sequence aside, (…) has a groundedness seldom seen in such pretentiously titled works. As stated dozens of times by the characters, “I’m kind of amazed.” MITCH LILLIE. Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont St., 971-238-3873. 7:30 pm ThursdaysSaturdays, 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 3. $10-$12.
Antony and Cleopatra
Northwest Classical Theatre Company stages Shakespeare’s tragic romance. Shoe Box Theater, 2110 SE 10th Ave., 971-244-3740. 7:30 pm ThursdaysSaturdays, 2 pm Sundays through March 10. $18-$20.
AwkRad
Performed by teenage actors, Augi Garred’s play mines the discomfort of adolescence as it follows a 16-yearold who dreams of becoming the next Woody Allen. Eliot Chapel, First Unitarian Church, 1011 SW Salmon St., 985-6746. 6:30 pm Friday-Saturday and 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 1-3. $7-$10.
The Candlestick Maker
The student winner of CoHo’s NEW x NW playwriting competition, Emily Golden’s play explores the relationship between an aging teacher and her former student. The CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh St., 220-2646. 11 am Saturday, Feb. 2. $10-$12.
Cinnamon & Cigarettes
In this solo piece, Jenny Newbry Waters tells the story of her childhood best friend and his daughter, who became her adopted sister. Milepost 5, 850 NE 81st Ave., 729-3223. 5 pm Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 30-31. $10.
Cressida
Asae Dean’s new work, based on Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida, examines love, war and power.
Headwaters Theatre, 55 NE Farragut St., No. 9, 289-3499. 9 pm ThursdaysSaturdays, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 pm and 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 7-9. $12.
Doing the Cockroach
A staged reading of Andrew Shanks’ play about a man reincarnated as a cockroach. Milepost 5, 850 NE 81st Ave., 729-3223. 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30 and 5 pm Friday, Feb. 1. $5.
Exit 27
One of the winners of CoHo’s NEW x NW playwriting competition, Aleks Merilo’s play centers on a community of fundamentalist Mormons. The CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh St., 2202646. 1 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $10-$12.
Feral
Entering the theater for the world premiere of Feral, ushers informed us that the heat will shut off when the performance begins. “It’ll get progressively colder,” we were warned. “Hang on to your coats.” This was, oddly, not an intentional metacommentary about life on the streets in Bruce Hostetler’s play, an exploration of homelessness in Portland that draws from more than 500 interviews. Feral follows the newly homeless Alan (a sympathetically skittish Tommy Harrington) over the course of a single January night. Directed by Asae Dean, the production steers largely clear of ham-fisted didacticism or maudlin speechifying. As the performance begins, Alan finds himself clutching his duffel in the center of the stage. The group paces in a circle, heckling Alan like a perverse Greek chorus. Once this stagy bit of circus is complete, though, dramatic tension is allowed to emerge more organically through rapid-fire exchange and fragmented monologue. As the night progresses, stories turn from darkly humorous—how to write a sign that will generate the most coin, for example—to harrowing. The script still has some kinks, and pacing can lag. Better than the semi-philosophical musings on homelessness and injustice are the direct interactions between characters, some of which carry serious heat (Sam Burns, tightly wound and ready to snap, conveys particular immediacy). Though Feral ends on a strangely bright note, which rings false, in its best moments it’s an impassioned piece that serves as a humane, sobering and occasionally wry reminder of the scope of human experience. REBECCA JACOBSON. Bob White Theatre, 6423 SE Foster Road, 800-494-8497. 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 pm Sundays through Feb. 3. $12-$15.
Finding the Lost Spark
Sue Ellen Liss presents a solo show about five generations of women in her family. Headwaters Theatre, 55 NE Farragut St., No. 9, 860-3062. 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30 and 1 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $10.
Fish Girl
Devised and performed by Sean Andries and Dakota Belle Witt, Fish Girl tells the fraught tale of an encounter between an oppressed mermaid and a smitten tourist. Portland Ballet Studio, 6250 SW Capitol Highway, 4528448. 9 pm Fridays-Saturdays through Feb. 2. $10 suggested.
Grand Guignol 5: Possessions
Third Eye Theatre presents its fifth annual homage to the Parisian theater known as the Grand Guignol, which staged graphic horror shows from 1897 to 1962. This year’s sampler features four gory vignettes from local playwrights. Kenton Masonic Lodge, 8130 N Denver Ave., 970-8874. 8 pm Fridays-Saturdays (no Friday show Feb. 15), 7 pm Sundays, Feb. 3 and 10. Through Feb. 16. $12-$15.
A staged reading of Sally Sunbear’s musical about love’s chances in the face of meddling gods. Hipbone Studio, 1847 E Burnside St., 800-4948497. 1 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $15.
The Huntsmen
Devon, the central character in The Huntsmen, is an awkward and fidgety teen, the vice president of his high school’s glee club and the child of divorced parents. He’s a kid who still builds forts in the forest with friends, struggles with eye contact and makes the occasional questionable decision—including posting nudie pics of his mom on the Internet. He’s also a machete-wielding serial killer. Such is the teetering heap playwright Quincy Long constructs in his strange and striking dark comedy. And the issues don’t stop there—this brisk and entertaining world-premiere production, nimbly directed by Kathleen Dimmick, also touches on domestic violence, mental illness, bullying and religious conflict. Sometimes Long hops over his hot-button themes too abruptly, but he also balances the hilarious and macabre in a way that recalls David Lindsay-Abaire. Long toys with questions of narrative reliability: Can we trust these characters? Where do reality and illusion diverge? It’s just this sort of theater—non-traditional and non-naturalistic yet grounded by a compelling narrative and sympathetic characters—that provides a welcome shot of energy midway through the performance season. Played with mesmerizing zeal by Dean Linnard, Devon is equal parts clumsy teen, moody murderer and smooth crooner. The Huntsmen isn’t a musical, but it’s peppered with catchy doo-wop tunes, which Linnard injects with surprising psychological intensity. With vocal backup and pitch-perfect choreography from the fedora-clad Jared Miller, Gavin Gregory and Michael O’Connell, the songs focus rather than distract from the action. Several days later, I’m still singing to myself. REBECCA JACOBSON. Portland Playhouse, 602 NE Prescott St., 488-5822. 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 pm SaturdaysSundays through Feb. 17. $23-$32.
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change It’s a big ol’ Valentine’s heart from Broadway Rose in the form of this popular musical revue. Broadway Rose New Stage Theatre, 12850 SW Grant Ave., Tigard, 620-5262. 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays and most Saturdays through Feb. 24. $20-$40.
I Love to Eat
Opera music booms and steam spills out from beneath the giant onstage refrigerator. James Beard (Rob Nagle), dressed in striped silk pajamas, chuckles as rose petals fall from above. “Moderation!” he roars. “I’m against it!” Yet for such a grandiose proclamation, I Love to Eat, directed by Jessica Kubzansky, feels less like a rich meal than a scattered sampler of tasty but underwhelming tidbits. James Still’s chatty script jumps between informal confessional and re-enactments of Beard’s 1940s cooking show, with the celebrated chef reminiscing, preparing canapes and, briefly, revealing and then brushing off stories of loneliness and unrequited love. Given the bony and episodic script, Nagle’s performance mostly impresses. But many of the lines are so slick they fail to elicit more than a polite giggle, and nothing can save Nagle in the incongruous, kiddie scenes with a bovine hand puppet. At one point, Beard fields a call from a frazzled home cook. “That’s the way it is in the kitchen,” he says. “Sometimes it all goes boom.” But that’s the problem with Still’s unfocused script—though it carries on at a gentle simmer, it never makes much of a bang. REBECCA JACOBSON. Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th Ave., 445-3700. 7:30 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, 2 pm Saturdays-Sundays, noon Thursdays through Feb. 10. $39-$65.
Illuminate
Incorporating mask, dance, music, performance and puppetry, HumanBeingCurious Productions interrogates Joseph Campbell’s ideas about
metaphor and myth. Milepost 5, 850 NE 81st Ave., 729-3223. 10 pm Friday, Feb. 1; 5 pm Saturday, Feb. 2; and 10 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $10-$15.
An Island and Crosswords Morning
Two staged readings from local playwrights. Jenni Green Miller’s An Island tells the true story of a couple who lived alone on an island for nearly 40 years. In Maggie McOmie’s Crosswords Morning, a retired couple grumbles about the world. Hipbone Studio, 1847 E Burnside St., 800-494-8497. 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $10.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Oregon Children’s Theatre bounds off to Narnia. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, 248-4335. 2 pm and 5 pm Saturdays (no 5 pm shows Feb. 9 and 16) and 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 17. $18-$30.
The Lost Boy
In 2001, Oregon City teenagers Miranda Gaddis and Ashley Pond disappeared, and local playwright Susan Mach found herself both intrigued and disturbed by media exploitation of the event. She found parallels between the girls’ disappearance and a story more distant in both time and place: the 1874 abduction of 4-year-old Charley Ross. That abduction also met sensationalism, even spurring the involvement of circus magnate P.T. Barnum, which Mach tackles in her world-premiere play. Though the theme of bleeding tragedy for lurid gain resonates, this production suffers from plodding exposition, a casserolelike jumble of discordant styles and thorny tonal shifts. Set against colorful backdrops of circus scenes, the first act trudges through Charley’s abduction
CONT. on page 36
REVIEW GARY NORMAN
PERFORMANCE
bedding doWn to business: Laura Faye smith and isaac Lamb.
INTERNATIONAL FALLS (COHO PRODUCTIONS) a depressed comedian walks into a bar.
That comedy comes from pain is a well-worn trope, but in International Falls, Thomas Ward’s compassionate and sharply observed world-premiere play, it’s a two-way street: Not only do misfortune and sadness produce laughs, but comedy also leads to tragedy. This is the case with Tim (Isaac Lamb), a standup comedian who, after 16 years of moderate success on the hotel-bar circuit, is burned out, lonely and aimless. Stuck in International Falls, Minn., for a two-night gig in the bleak midwinter, Tim meets a Holiday Inn desk clerk named Dee (Laura Faye Smith), who invites herself back to his room (and also happens to have comedic aspirations of her own). What follows—but only after a beneath-the-sheets hand job—is 90 minutes of theater that is both piercingly funny and bitterly heartrending. Ward writes pointed but humane dialogue, and under Brandon Woolley’s shrewd direction, Smith and Lamb move seamlessly from jokes about genitalia (Tim describes a penis as looking like a caterpillar lounging on a beanbag) to cracks about hotel curtains and Canada to humor that exposes these characters’ insecurities and sorrows. As Tim puts it, “Comedy is a pre-emptive strike. I’m gonna make fun of me before anybody gets a chance to, because I know it’s coming.” These exchanges, set in a drab hotel room, are cut with snippets of Tim’s standup act, which Lamb delivers with a sense of weary confidence. But dark realities lurk behind Tim’s well-practiced assurance, and Dee, despite her lively demeanor and resilient front, isn’t holding up so well either. Both actors are dynamic yet vulnerable, wedding ace comic timing with raw emotion. Lamb, his doughy frame clad only in plaid boxers, lumbers about the stage as Smith, her character steeled by vodka, bounces manically on the bed in her high heels. As the evening wears on, though, and Tim and Dee probe their messy marriages, Smith’s eyes become darting and uncertain, and she wraps herself in the bedsheet as if it’s armor. It’s a nuanced and slightly wounded performance, making up for what’s the comparatively underwritten role. Though the production lurches a bit toward the end—the dialogue grows circuitous in its tired discussion of authenticity, and the conclusion puzzles even as it unsettles—International Falls hits the funny bone as well as the heart. REBECCA JACOBSON. see it: International Falls is at the CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh St., 220-2646. 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 16. $20-$25. Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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PERFORMANCE
jan. 30–feb. 5 MARIE CHOUINARD
and the subsequent investigation. The kidnappers—Duffy Epstein as the grizzled but melancholy mastermind and Sean Doran as his lonely, clumsy underling—bring emotional complexity to the proceedings. But exchanges between Charley’s parents and the detective feel undercooked and overlong. Mach has intercut these scenes with circus spectacle, which, despite their clear intent, come across more as commercials breaks than integral dramatic elements. REBECCA JACOBSON. Artists Repertory Theatre, 1515 SW Morrison St., 241-1278. 7:30 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 10. $25-$50.
Dave Attell
Rich Rubin’s play charts the destruction of Arthur Miller and Marilyn Monroe’s marriage. The CoHo Theater, 2257 NW Raleigh St. 7:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30. $12 suggested.
Men and Women in the Dark
compagnie marie chouinard Theater, 16 NW Broadway, 800-4948497. 7 pm Thursday, Jan. 31. $15.
Pulp Diction IV: The Pulp Sampler
Six short plays about aliens, witches, vampires and ghosts. Brody Theater, 16 NW Broadway, 800-494-8497. 10:30 pm Saturdays through Feb. 2. $15.
A Noble Failure
“Something is wrong with our public schools. But it may not be what we’ve been told.” So reads the program cover for Third Rail Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of A Noble Failure, written by Susan Mach and directed by Philip Cuomo. Those lines prime audiences for a fierce political showdown. That’s not, however, entirely the case. Yes, there are political elements. Young teacher Darren (John San Nicolas), fresh out of Dartmouth, has students with abnormally high test results, while frazzled veteran teacher Rosalyn (Jacklyn Maddux) has to fight with a hardheaded lawyer to keep her job because her students’ scores are low. Principal Spencer (Bruce Burkhartsmeier) is helpless to aid Rosalyn, his power sapped by Barbara (Maureen Porter), a metrics-obsessed “teacher coach” sent by the district to boost state exam scores. For those looking for a rallying cry, A Noble Failure falls a bit short. But as a comedy, the hallway humor is a welcome distraction from the despair. MITCH LILLIE. Winningstad Theatre, Portland Center for the Performing Arts, 1111 SW Broadway, 235-1101. 7:30 pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 3. $22.25-$41.25.
NT Live: The Magistrate
Third Rail broadcasts National Theatre’s production of Arthur Wing Pinero’s farce, with John Lithgow in the title role. World Trade Center Theater, 121 SW Salmon St., 235-1101. 2 pm and 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $20.
Night Breezes and the Ballerina
In this staged reading, playwright Heath Hyun Houghton incorporates dialogue and movement to tell the story of a family waiting for word from an abducted relative. Hipbone Studio, 1847 E Burnside St., 800-494-8497. 6 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $13.
PDX Playwrights
Workshop productions of plays from Brad Bolchunos, David Wester and Kristin Olson-Huddle. Hipbone Studio, 1847 E Burnside St., 800-494-8497. 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $10.
Playback Theater
Audience members tell stories, which Playback’s actors and musicians improvise on the spot. Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont St., 719-6328. Family show at 6 pm and regular show at 8 pm, Saturday, Feb. 2. $5-$20.
Pulp Diction IV: Love/ Hate Potion No. 9
A staged reading of a theatrical thriller by Sonya Sobieski about two friends in a supernatural duel. Brody Theater, 16 NW Broadway, 800-494-8497. 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30. $15.
Pulp Diction IV: Personal
A workshop production of Brian Kettler’s play about a group home for traumatized television fans. Brody
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Word.Voice.
PlayWrite showcases a collection of character sketches, one-acts and spoken-word pieces, written and directed by underserved youth and performed by professional actors. Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th Ave., 249-5800. 3 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. Free.
COMEDY & VARIETY
Marilyn/MISFITS/Miller
Masque Alfresco stages a new play, by Benedict Herrman, Emmanuel Williams and Rian Turner, about an old topic: the differences between the sexes. Regents Center, 3185 NE Regents Dr., 800-494-8497. 7:30 pm FridaysSundays through Feb. 3. $8-$12.
weak. Milepost 5, 850 NE 81st Ave., 729-3223. 7 pm Wednesday and Friday, Jan. 30 and Feb. 1. $12.
R3
Portland Experimental Theatre Ensemble’s first full-length play, R3, is director Gisela Cardenas’ “radical reimagining” of Shakespeare’s Richard III. Well, not really, but that’s fine. Lines have been cut and scenes rearranged, but to the casual Shakespeare fan, little will have changed. The same demonic Richard, hell-bent on the throne of England, beheads friend, family and foe alike to reach it. What is radical about R3 are the minimalist and versatile props. Umbrellas are used as guns and a dinner table becomes a pulpit. Beautifully lit from varying sides to play up the shadows, the cast alternately flies across the room on a wheeled table and lingers motionless against the back golden wall. The cast is nearly all female, which when portraying multiple characters of both genders—however skillfully—distorts Cardenas’ goal of refocusing the play on its women. Jacob Coleman, as Richard, bleeds enthusiasm, but he can get too tied up in his emotions when he should be conspiring with the audience. All told, such flaws are minor, and PETE pays a fine, respectfully errant tribute to Shakespeare’s twisted king. MITCH LILLIE. Headwaters Theatre, 55 NE Farragut St., No. 9, 289-3499. 7 pm Thursdays-Sundays through Feb. 3. $15.
Rain! The Musical
In Richard Moore and Monte Merrick’s new musical, a rock star returns to Portland to discover that it hasn’t rained in 274 days. Ethos/IFCC, 5340 N Interstate Ave., 800-494-8497. 7:30 pm Friday-Saturday, 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 1-3. $10-$15.
Ribbons of War
A workshop production of a new musical about seafarers, sea monsters and romance. Shaking the Tree Studio, 1407 SE Stark St., 800-494-8497. 7:30 pm Fridays-Saturdays, 2:30 pm Sundays through Feb. 3. $10.
The Road to Mecca
It’s a simple story, really—a snapshot of one evening in the lives of two women. But much can be revealed in a conversation fueled by trust and desperation, and Athol Fugard’s The Road to Mecca explores faith and freedom on the most personal levels. Set in 1974 in South Africa, an evening passes in the home of the elderly Miss Helen. She receives a visit from her only friend Elsa Barlow, and though separated by four decades in age, both women find themselves turning to the other for guidance. Amanda Soden as Elsa and Eileen DeSandre as Helen infuse each moment with heartrending authenticity. PENELOPE BASS. Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont St., 242-0080. 7:30 pm Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 pm Sundays through Feb. 3. $16-$30.
Seussical
This production by Northwest Children’s Theater cavorts through
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
Dr. Seuss’ tales. NW Neighborhood Cultural Center, 1819 NW Everett St., 222-4480. Noon and 4 pm SaturdaysSundays through March 3. $13-$22.
Something’s Got Ahold of My Heart
Hand2Mouth Theatre’s production about love digs into euphoria as well as heartbreak, incorporating personal stories, pop songs and upbeat choreography. Studio 2, 810 SE Belmont St. 8 pm Thursdays-Sundays through Feb. 17. $12-$20.
Sonnetscape
Fuse Theatre Ensemble presents an original multimedia work based on Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. Theater! Theatre!, 3430 SE Belmont St., 971-238-3873. 10 pm ThursdaySaturday and 7:30 pm Sunday Jan. 31-Feb. 3. $10-$12.
Taster’s Choice
Jewish Theatre Collaborative presents a staged reading of samples from three books. Someday Lounge, 125 NW 5th Ave., 512-0582. 7:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30. $10.
Tiny Island
Michael Hollinger’s Red Herring doesn’t open at Artists Rep till Feb. 15, but in a fortuitous bit of scheduling, Portland Civic Theatre Guild presents a staged reading of the playwright’s earlier work about two middle-aged women and the power of cinema. The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th Ave., 2222031. 10:30 am Tuesday, Feb. 5. $8.
True Colors: Fulfillment, Women and the Body
Katje Wagner investigates ideas of fulfillment and the body in this solo performance. Vanport Square Studio, 5229 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Suite 102, 313-5733. 4 pm Saturdays through Feb. 2. $12-$15.
Venus in Fur
Portland Center Stage presents David Ives’ 2010 sinister comedy, which has sizzled on Broadway and received a Tony nomination for best play. The action centers on a self-important writer-director and the actress vying for a role in his play, which he has adapted from the 1870 novel Venus in Furs—the book that inspired the term “sadomasochism.” Gerding Theater, 128 NW 11th Ave., 445-3700. 7:30 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, 2 pm SaturdaysSundays, noon Thursdays through March 10. $25-$54.
Whipping Cream and Freudian Dreams and Oh F*ck! Oh Sh*t! It’s Love! The Musical
A double-header of staged readings. From Kate Horn comes a play about a Freudian shrink determined to analyze three female baristas, and Sam Dinkowitz presents a musical about the vulgarity of relationships. Hipbone Studio, 1847 E Burnside St., 800-4948497. 8 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $10.
The Witch of the Iron Wood
Norse mythology gets a modern update in this opera by Evan Lewis and Claire Willett, which finds forbidden love blossoming as the gods grow
After cutting his teeth at Saturday Night Live, Attell now hosts two Comedy Central programs. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 888643-8669. 7:30 pm and 10 pm FridaySaturday, Feb. 1-2. $30-$35.
David Saffert’s Birthday Bashstravaganza! Die More Hard
Comedian and pianist David Saffert throws himself a birthday bash, complete with dancing, singing, puppets and magic tricks. Curious Comedy, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 800-494-8497. 7:30 pm FridaysSaturdays through Feb. 2. $12-$15.
Funny Over Everything
James Adomian, known for his impersonations and improv skills, headlines the monthly showcase. Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., 281-4215. 8 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $10.
Harmontown
A live recording of Dan Harmon and Jeff Davis’ comedy podcast. Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE 9th Ave., 888643-8669. 7:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30. $20-$25.
Hello+Goodbye Standup Comedy Show
Janet Kim hosts a showcase featuring Todd Armstrong and Brian Blank. Curious Comedy, 5225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 800-494-8497. 8 pm Thursday, Jan. 31. $5-$8.
Roy Zimmerman
The satirical songwriter skewers the right wing in this solo show. Brody Theater, 16 NW Broadway, 224-2227. 7:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $15.
Seth Meyers
Standup from Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” anchor. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway, 248-4335. 8 pm Friday, Feb. 1. $44.75.
CLASSICAL 45th Parallel
The chamber ensemble composed teams up with the city’s all-classical public radio station’s weekly contemporary music show, Club Mod. They’ll perform movements of American works from the last century by Samuel Barber, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Charles Ives, the recently deceased Elliott Carter and more. Plus there will be music by great contemporary composers Steve Reich and George Crumb, and film-music legend John Williams’ haunting Schindler’s List theme. Alberta Rose Theatre, 3000 NE Alberta St., 719-6055. 7:30 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $20-$25.
Beta Collide, AnyWhen Orchestra
In this jazz-tinged, post-classical music concert, one of Oregon’s finest new-music ensembles, Eugene’s Beta Collide (comprising mostly University of Oregon faculty members on trumpet, sax, piano, percussion, guitar and bass), performs original arrangements of music by the died-too-young Canadian world-music singer Lhasa de Sala. AnyWhen, a sax-trumpet-bassoon-cello-guitar-drum sextet headed by young New York-based composertrumpeter Douglas Detrick, will premiere Detrick’s 10-movement suite, The Bright and Rushing World. Like Wayne Horvitz’s Gravitas Quartet, AnyWhen artfully combines spontaneity and structure with composition and improvisation more organically— and engagingly—than many of the old third stream and fusion attempts to
harmonize the worlds of jazz and classical music. Community Music Center, 3350 SE Francis St., 823-3177. 8 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $10-$20 suggested.
Portland Opera
At its 1900 premiere, Tosca’s lurid depiction of rape, murder and other violence shocked audiences and offended critics, and it still packs a punch—and a plummet. The company recycles its traditional production of Puccini’s ever-popular tale of lust and political corruption in 19th-century Rome. The piece is sung in Italian with English supertitles by soprano Kara Shay Thomson, tenor Roger Honeywell, bass Mark Schnaible and other soloists and chorus, and directed by Metropolitan Opera veteran David Kneuss. Keller Auditorium, 222 SW Clay St., 241-1802. 6:30 pm Friday, Feb. 1; Thursday, Feb. 7; and Saturday, Feb. 9. 1 pm Sunday, Feb. 3. $25-$160.
DANCE Bridge City Dance Project
The local fusion company employs modern, ballet, hip-hop and contemporary dance in Reflection, choreographed by Clarissa Espino and Allison Folley, and set to original music by David Glivar. Polaris Contemporary Dance Center, 1501 SW Taylor St., 3805472. 8 pm Friday, Feb. 1. $10-$15.
Compagnie Marie Chouinard
Stravinsky’s primal score Le Sacre du Printemps (“The Rite of Spring”) has been an irresistible challenge to choreographers ever since Nijinksy and the Ballets Russes set it in motion a century ago. Since then, we have seen everything from Angelin Preljocaj’s sexualized scrimmage on Astroturf to Pina Bausch’s wonderfully gritty vision (not to mention Christopher Stowell’s recent rendition at Oregon Ballet Theatre). Montrealbased contemporary choreographer Marie Chouinard approaches the pagan spectacle with less narrative emphasis than some, but with plenty of vigor, building her version around solos for her 10-member company. It’s paired here with her “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,” based on both the iconic Nijinsky creation and Adolph de Meyer’s photographs of Nijinsky’s performance. Few women have danced the role other than Nijinsky’s sister and Chouinard herself; here, two of the company’s women will alternate in the role. In either case, expect to see fresh takes on two classic works, even as they offer echoes of their predecessors. Lincoln Hall, Portland State University, 1620 SW Park Ave., 7253307. 8 pm Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 2. $20-$30.
Julia Calabrese and Layla Marcelle Mrozowski
A new collaboration between performers Julia Calabrese and Layla Marcelle Mrozowski, known for integrating dance, theater and sculpture. Publication Studios, 717 SW Ankeny Street. 9 pm Friday, Feb. 1; 2 pm and 9 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $10.
NW Fusion
The pre-professional company offers a repertory program of work in multiple genres created by Lauren Edson, Chase Brock, Autumn Dones and Elizabeth Bressler. Polaris Contemporary Dance Center, 1501 SW Taylor St., 380-5472. 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 31. $10-$15.
The Groovin’ Greenhouse
This dance showcase features Bridge City Dance Project’s ballet-modernhip-hop-fusion piece on relationships; SubRosa Dance Collective’s Living the Room, about our living spaces and the artifacts within them; and a work by Jennifer Camp’s ensemble performing original contemporary work. Polaris Contemporary Dance Center, 1501 SW Taylor St., 380-5472. 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 2. $10-$15.
For more Performance listings, visit
VISUAL ARTS
JAN. 30–FEB. 5
= WW Pick. Highly recommended. By RICHARD SPEER. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LISTINGS, submit show information—including opening and closing dates, gallery address and phone number—at least two weeks in advance to: Visual Arts, WW, 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Email: rspeer@wweek.com.
ful show with much to offer both the uninitiated and the connoisseur of Albers’ oeuvre. Through Feb. 2. Augen DeSoto, 716 NW Davis St., 224-8182.
Nancy Abens: Curiosity Envisioned
Two years ago, when photographer Nancy Abens plunged her digital camera into tidal pools off the coast of Mexico, she discovered an eerie world of exotic-looking sea creatures and plant life. Since then, she has created a body of work that focuses on natural history: specifically birds, insects and shells. Although her subject matter is organic, many of her prints, especially those dealing with geological phenomena, flirt with geometric abstraction, thanks to an assured sense of composition. Through Feb. 23. I Witness Gallery Northwest Center for Photography, 1028 SE Water Ave., Suite 50, 384-2783.
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Perspective & Place
Katherine Thompson’s oil painting, Toro, bursts forth with expressive dollops of tomato red, barely contained by a Rouault-like latticework that recalls stained-glass windows. A halo of cerulean envelops the composition, cradling it like a baby. Thompson’s work in this vein reads as pure abstraction, while pieces such as Mindscape come across as abstracted landscapes. While these medium-format works are inventively hued and composed, Thompson’s smaller-scale paintings are not nearly as compelling. Through Jan. 30. Backspace, 115 NW 5th Ave., 248-2900.
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Robert Rauschenberg and Christopher Rauschenberg BEAR BY VIVIAN CHEN AT COMPOUND GALLERY
Apex: Sang-ah Choi
The glittery panels, cereal boxes and blow-up Easter Bunny and Frosty the Snowman that make up Sang-ah Choi’s exhibition are intended to critique American culture, yet they are so visually seductive, they wind up celebrating it. This is commodity critique and Charles Jencksian double-coding repackaged for the millennial set. It sets itself up to pierce our shallow, consumerist American hearts with a rapier, but the glint of light across the metal blade is so mesmerizing, all we can do is ooh and aah. Through March 31. Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave., 226-0973.
Dream, Inc.: Awakening from the American Dream
Munich-born artist and writer Richard Schemmerer takes on the American Dream in Dream, Inc., an exhibition of paintings, sculpture, and mixed-media work. In addition to a suite of abstract paintings, Schemmerer offers a series depicting enigmatic faces, which confront the viewer with a kind of unsettling mirror. The exhibition’s most compelling work is a sculpture entitled Wings of Desire, made from wrought iron, a metal spring, driftwood and red feathers. With intimations of the Icarus legend, the piece seems to portray a nation that has risen from its folksy, pioneer past (symbolized by the gnarled wood) and industrial might (the metalwork), only to flame out in a wash of decadence (the red wings): a cheap feather boa where a bald eagle once soared. Through Feb. 2. Cock Gallery, 625 NW Everett St., No. 106, 552-8686.
Glades and Ragged Underwood
Vivian Chen’s paintings are the highlight of this three-artist show. In a commentary on decay and rebirth, they present a menagerie of animals lying dead on the forest floor with vegetation sprouting out of their carcasses. It’s disconcerting to see mushrooms and a tree branch growing out of a bird’s eye in the piece Bird, or flowers and leaves from the belly of Deer, and various flora spreading across the
bodies of Snail, Bear, Owl, Rabbit and Raccoon. But this is the fate of any animal that runs out its clock and sleeps without waking. With a potent mix of whimsy and the grotesque, Chen makes us confront the fate that awaits all beasts, including those who walk on two legs and have brains that know death is inevitable. Through Feb. 3. Compound Gallery, 107 NW 5th Ave., 796-2733.
Jesse Hayward: Such and Such
You walk into Nine Gallery and see no show title, no artwork titles, not even a sign announcing who the artist is. The works on the wall are too bad to be good but too good to be bad: sophomoric abstract paintings that are painfully self-aware in their amateur chic. Whoever painted them has ambitions that exceed their grasp. A phone call to the gallery director turns up the answer to some questions. The artist is Jesse Hayward, who, in a precious, “Look at me—no, don’t!” move, placed his name so low down on the door jamb that gallerygoers would not see it. Likewise, according to the director, Hayward left an explanatory brochure about the show “in an unassuming spot” so unassuming that viewers could not find it. It sort of makes sense that any artist who would throw together a show this mediocre would not want to be that closely associated with it. Through Feb. 3. Nine Gallery, 122 NW 8th Ave., 227-7114.
Josef Albers: The Interaction of Color-Formulation: Articulation
Love geometric abstraction? Run, don’t walk, to this museum-quality exhibition of Josef Albers’ prints. Albers literally wrote the book on color effects (his magnum opus, 1963’s Interaction of Color) and in the prints that make up Augen’s current show, the late, great abstractionist lays out all the arrows in his quiver. Squares, rhomboids and other shapes nestle within one another in chromatic combinations designed to delight and boggle the eye. An unexpected pleasure are the folded shapes in works such as Folio 2, Folder 21A, in which the minimalist master seems to channel M.C. Escher’s illusionistic pretzels. This is a well-conceived, thought-
In Hollywood, this is what you call dream casting. To mount a show featuring the late, great artist Robert Rauschenberg and his son, Portland-based photographer Christopher Rauschenberg, is a formidable, delicious challenge, which Elizabeth Leach and her team must surely have relished. The late Rauschenberg’s mixed-media prints will rub elbows with photographer Rauschenberg’s travelogue tableaux of a recent visit to St. Petersburg, Russia. This is a must-see. Through Feb. 2. Elizabeth Leach Gallery, 417 NW 9th Ave., 224-0521.
Vanitas
Curator Michael Endo has long held an interest in the “vanitas” genre of 17th-century still-life painting, which used motifs such as skulls and botanicals as memento mori. As an artist, Endo has explored these motifs in his paintings. Now, as a curator at Bullseye, he calls upon five other artists to offer takes on the transience of human life: Shannon Brunskill, June Kingsbury, Catharine Newell, Marc Petrovic and Michael Rogers. All five use glass as a material. It’s an intriguing medium for this theme, since glass, like life itself, can seem strong, sturdy and limitless in potential—until the instant it shatters. Through March 2. Bullseye Gallery, 300 NW 13th Ave., 227-0222.
Winter Group Exhibition
Group shows often seem like arbitrary conglomerations of unrelated parts. But Froelick’s holiday group show has the feel of a bona fide “best of the best” lineup. It’s easy to take this gallery’s stable for granted, thanks to reliably engaging programming and owner Charles Froelick’s easygoing manner. But when, as in this show, you see works by artists as diverse as Rick Bartow (archetypal imagery influenced by Native traditions), Victor Maldonado (politically charged installations and mixed media), and Laura Ross-Paul (sumptuous, symbolism-encoded paintings), you realize just how lucky we are to have this gallery in our midst year after year. Through Feb. 2. Froelick Gallery, 714 NW Davis St., 222-1142.
For more Visual Arts listings, visit Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
37
BOOKS
JAN. 30–FEB. 5
= WW Pick. Highly recommended. By PENELOPE BASS. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LISTINGS, submit lecture or reading information at least two weeks in advance to: WORDS, WW, 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Email: words@wweek.com. Fax: 243-1115.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 30 SFWA Northwest Reading Series
Sci-fi and fantasy fans: Grab your magical cloaks, jump in your teleportation devices and head to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America’s quarterly Northwest reading series. The reading/networking/battling for the universe event will be hosted by James Patrick Kelly, and will feature Felicity Shoulders and Grá Linnaea. Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave., 2493983. 7 pm. Free.
THURSDAY, JAN. 31 City Goats
Chickens are so last year. If you want to be a real Portlander, you need to get yourself some goats. Longtime urban goat keeper Jennie Grant will explain how in her newest book, City Goats: The Goat Justice League’s Guide to Backyard Goat Keeping. Get your goat! Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 2284651. 7:30 pm. Free.
SATURDAY, FEB. 2 Ayana Mathis
Exploring a sprawling family history through 12 narrative threads, Ayana Mathis’ debut novel, The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, follows 15-yearold Hattie Shepherd as she flees Georgia in 1923, lands in a disappointing marriage and gives birth to nine children. Powell’s Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton, 228-4651. 4 pm. Free.
Justin W. Price
Willamette Week’s
POT ISSUE
Oregon author Justin W. Price will be celebrating the release of his new collection of poetry, Digging to China, with a reading along with fellow writers Brandon Shewbert, Shannon Eoff, Garret Potter, Jake Porter, Bill Price, Sean Loehr, Stephanie Shick, Jen Deale, Matt Price and Dusty Brooks. It might be a long night of digging. St. Johns Booksellers , 8622 N Lombard St., 283-0032. 7 pm. Free.
MONDAY, FEB. 4 Authors in Pubs
Armed only with their personal writing and a little liquid confidence, the local writers at the monthly series Authors in Pubs will bare their souls on stage (and maybe more, depending on levels of alcohol consumption). This month’s featured author will be Erik J. Romano, along with more than half a dozen others. Jack London Bar, 529 SW 4th Ave., 228-7605. 7 pm. Free. 21+.
Oregon Encyclopedia Night
Did you know that early in the 20th century you could purchase a string of songbirds at Portland meat markets? The rise of the Audubon Society of Portland (now 13,000 members) helped establish legislation protecting our feathered friends. Learn about the history of the Audubon Society and its current projects with Mike Houck and Tom McAllister at the Oregon Encyclopedia Night “Portland and Nature Through Audubon.” Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St., 223-4527. 7 pm. Free.
Publishes February 20
Space reservation deadline is February 14 @ 4pm Call: 503.243.2122 • Email: advertising@wweek.com 38
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
Bill Streever
Exploring all things hot through science, history and culture, nature writer and scientist Bill Streever weaves his way through everything from the Big Bang to walking on coals in his new book, Heat: Adventures in the World’s Fiery Places. Es muy caliente! Powell’s
City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 7:30 pm. Free.
TUESDAY, FEB. 5 The Moth Mainstage
The Moth brings writers, comedians, actors and regular folks to the stage and gives them 10 minutes to tell their life stories—no scripts or cue cards. The New York City literary event is returning to Portland by popular demand and will feature stories by Cheryl Strayed,
Sarah Ryan Knox, Satori Shakoor and several others, with Ophira Eisenberg hosting. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 SW Broadway, 248-4335. 7:30 pm. $20-$72.50.
Dave Eggers
Novelist, screenwriter and founding editor of McSweeney’s, Dave Eggers has done a lot of impressive things with words. Initially gaining fame from his 2000 novel, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, Eggers will be in Portland signing copies of his newest book, A Hologram for the King. He won’t be reading. Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., 228-4651. 6 pm. Free.
For more Books listings, visit
REVIEW
SONJA LYUBOMIRSKY, THE MYTHS OF HAPPINESS There is suffering in the wellappointed kitchens and cozy dens of the American middle class. The Myths of Happiness, a new book by Sonja Lyubomirsky, seeks to address the malaise we feel when we’re not married by age 27 or millionaires by 30. Lyubomirsky does offer good— if familiar—advice. But the tone and focus of the book #whitepeopleproblems. seem ill-fitted for a world after 9/11 and the Great Recession. The book seems to be written for the most comfortable among us—those who might be driven to despair on discovering “that our neighbor is directing a television pilot or that our former classmate is on the cover of California Lawyer.” It is difficult to take the unhappiness that comes from such situations seriously. But to a certain extent, that is Lyubomirsky’s point. What you think will make you happy won’t necessarily. Happiness, if you choose, is possible in McMansions or ratty apartments—and so is misery. Over time, people become disenchanted with the marriages, jobs and living situations we thought would make us happy. The process of becoming accustomed to things is called hedonic adaptation. It incites particular mayhem when it affects our relationships. You cannot stop it, but there are ways to slow it down. Throughout the book, Lyubomirsky doles out familiar advice for happiness in other arenas: count your blessings, adversity builds character and makes you happier with what you’ve got, focus on the good things, don’t be materialistic, spend your money on experiences rather than things, keep solid relationships with family and friends. From an evolutionary standpoint, this constant striving is a good thing because it means we’re able to adapt to bad situations. But for the average businessman eyeing his boss’s Aeron or a mom counting on marble countertops to bring her happiness, it can briefly lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and general malaise. These old bits of wisdom are mostly put forth as solutions to some fairly shallow problems. When she does address serious problems—like poverty—she does so in a way that seems somewhat callous, especially at a time when so many people are still licking recession-inflicted wounds. She’s at her best when she’s blowing up myths about happiness: single people (especially women) are not all sad, having kids isn’t necessarily a fount of eternal bliss, you can be happy again after a divorce or life-threatening diagnosis. It’s good to hear that from a professor of psychology. We’ve all known people (possibly ourselves) who are slaves to tyrannical societal expectations and suffer greatly for it. But many people— see someecards.com—have already identified these societal benchmarks as absurd. STEPHANIE CZEKALINSKI. GO: Sonja Lyubomirsky appears at Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., on Wednesday, Jan. 30. 7:30 pm. Free.
jan. 30–feb. 5 REVIEW
= WW Pick. Highly recommended.
R O A D S I D E AT T R A C T I O N S
MOVIES
Editor: REBECCA JACOBSON. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR LISTINGS, send screening information at least two weeks in advance to Screen, WW, 2220 NW Quimby St., Portland, OR 97210. Email: rjacobson@wweek.com. Fax: 243-1115.
56 Up
A This documentary is “a complete
fraud,” says one of its subjects. It’s a sentiment voiced often in 56 Up, the latest in Michael Apted’s visionary, often-depressing series that has documented the lives of 14 disparate Britons, in seven-year installments, since they were 7 years old in 1964. An entire generation has grown up with them. John, the above-quoted skeptic, resists the notion that social class determines one’s future: He is, of course, congenitally upper-crust rich and has remained so. The lowerclass men and women—who have also remained so, though most have grown more comfortable over the years—have a different perspective. They are more likely to talk about the limitations of possibility, or about one-time chances they missed. While 7 Up and 14 Up and 21 Up were concerned only with the future, this more wizened documentary now looks mostly backward: at dreams that seem inaccessible to a life that has inexorably become something else. For those who’ve not watched all the previous installments, 56 Up is largely of anthropological or cultural interest; for those who have, there’s a wistful sadness to the affair. Each life is accorded only 10 minutes and seems somehow diminished by the attention. You have known these people for too long and the time is now too brief, a phone call across the Atlantic expanse. Still, it’s one of the great journeys in documentary film; it’s unlikely there will be another one like it. MATTHEW KORFHAGE. Living Room Theaters, Hollywood Theatre.
All the Little Things
C [ONE NIGHT ONLY, DIRECTOR
ATTENDING] In January 2003, 18-yearold Portlander Benjamin Cramer murdered his girlfriend, Cassondra Brown, in a fit of rage, dismembering her body in his bathtub and dumping the pieces in the Columbia River. Cramer, his family and friends are interviewed extensively in local director Jeff Streich’s first full-length film, All the Little Things. The interviews are a bit addled in their direction. Cramer’s own answers show him as John Q. Public, while his mother tearily tries to explain her irreproachable (of course) son’s actions. Cramer’s father and friends depict him as a troubled teen who redirected childhood abuse at his girlfriend. Cassie’s parents still mourn their daughter and frown upon Benjamin’s actions. There are well-developed profiles of Benjamin and Cassie here, but where is this going? Viewers may wish they knew. The audience is left, finally, at a thematic pile-up with no easy answers, nor any thoughtful questions. Streich has worked as director of photography for pulpy late-night Discovery and National Geographic television programs like Mega Disasters: West Coast Tsunami. All the Little Things would fit in well in a late-night documentary slot, too: all the content of an In Cold Blood-style crime story but without the refined touch. MITCH LILLIE. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 7 pm Thursday, Jan. 31.
Amour
A Midway through Michael Haneke’s
scrupulously devastating Amour, the elderly Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) tells his wife, Anne (Emmanuelle Riva), about a film he remembers watching as a child. Though he can no longer recall any details, he keenly remembers how the film made him feel, and the reminiscence brings him to tears. “The emotions remain,” he tells Anne. That scene is almost too perfect—it is, undoubtedly, Haneke’s nod to the enduring power of cinema—but it captures what makes Amour both calmly beautiful and tremendously wrenching. Over the film’s course, Austrian writerdirector Haneke, ever the psychologically brutalizing provocateur, takes an unsentimental, dignified and painfully
transfixing look at infirmity and mortality. Set almost entirely in Georges and Anne’s comfortable apartment in modern-day Paris, Amour lays its groundwork early. Anne has a stroke one morning, seeming to disappear mentally for several moments. She soon ends up in a wheelchair, having lost function on one side of her body. Riva’s performance is as graceful as it is heartbreaking: There’s a joyful scene in which she laughs while spinning around in her motorized wheelchair, but also moments when she expresses a complex constellation of shame, sadness and confusion. As Anne’s health declines, Georges’ posture grows stooped and his gait clumsy. Though he remains loving and attentive, anger and frustration flash through. Further strains emerge with the entrance of their only child, Eva (the excellent Isabelle Huppert). Eva is high-strung, self-involved and powerless to understand or support her parents, and Huppert rattles the proceedings to unsettling effect. Though very little happens, Haneke builds an ominously suspenseful atmosphere, both with little details—what, for example, is the symbolism of the pigeon that keeps flying into the apartment?—and with flights of narrative unreliability. Though Amour may not contain the same cold shocks of menace or cruelty as Haneke’s other films, it also does not relent in its painful realism. And that is precisely what endows it with such power. REBECCA JACOBSON. Fox Tower.
Anna Karenina
B In the popular imagination, Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is a torrid love story about an impossible love affair between a married woman (Keira Knightley) and a dashing cavalry officer named Vronsky (Aaron TaylorJohnson). But the novel is actually a much broader affair about the artifice of St. Petersburg and the dream of the noble life. Accordingly, Tom Stoppard and Joe Wright’s new film version places much of the moral heart with gentleman farmer Levin (Domhnall Gleeson) and with Anna’s cuckolded husband, Karenin, played with pinched sadness by Jude Law. This beautiful film is noble in suffering but often terrible in triumph: Anna and Vronsky might chew the scenery in their doomed affair, but it is up to Law’s wounded Karenin to digest it. R. MATTHEW KORFHAGE. Laurelhurst, Mission.
Argo
A- Ben Affleck’s thriller, the bizarre
story of a joint mission between the Canadian government, the CIA and Hollywood to extract six Americans hiding in Tehran by posing as a Canuck film crew on a location shoot, is one of the year’s best pictures. R. AP KRYZA. Clackamas, Lake Twin, Living Room Theaters, Lloyd Mall, Movies on TV.
Barbara
B As usual for Germany’s high-pro-
file films of late, Barbara—the country’s submission this year for the Best Foreign Film Oscar—is a somewhat grim interrogation of Germany’s past. It’s the third Oscar submission in 10 years about the East German police state. For the record, two prior submissions were about Nazis, two were about past terrorism and two were about the difficulty of living as a Turkish guest worker. For its part, Barbara is an effective and subtle— though also monotone and dreary— account of an East German doctor (Nina Hoss) exiled to a small Baltic town because she’d taken a Western German lover, to whom she plans to escape. Though its recounting of Stasi surveillance is uniformly damning, and though the film flirts with cliché the way a sailor flirts with the sea, the film’s psychology is personal, not schematic. In certain ways, it is a spiritual heir to the landmark Divided Heaven of
CONT. on page 40
HaRD aS GIBRaLTaR: Christopher Walken and al Pacino are old guys with guns.
A FISTFUL OF VIAGRA CHRISTOPHER WALKEN AND AL PACINO GO SLUMMING IN STAND UP GUYS. bY a p kRYza
243-2122
Europe is considerably kinder to its elder statesmen—at least where cinema is concerned. Michael Haneke’s dissection of octogenarian love, Amour, is a lock for the foreign-language Oscar, with Emmanuelle Riva, 85, up for her own golden boy. Middlebrow dramedy Quartet is winning audiences over with its story of retired musicians like Maggie Smith and Michael Gambon taking the stage. What do we do with our aging legends? We repurpose their well-worn personas. On the rare occasion, it works, highlighted last year by Robot & Frank, which cleverly cast Frank Langella as an elderly thief with dementia who used his automated butler to abet him in cat burglary. When it doesn’t work, we get Stand Up Guys, an insipid, horribly unfunny film that showed up 10 years too late to the Tarantino-aping party and casts some of the greatest actors of the past 30 years in a horribly lazy and tonally schizophrenic crime comedy. You’re always in trouble when a film about dudes over 60 goes for the Viagra. Stand Up Guys reaches for it immediately when just-released convict Val (Al Pacino) is taken by his best friend, Doc (Christopher Walken), to a brothel, only to find his pipes aren’t working. So the two immediately break into a drug store, where Walken stocks up on his old-people medicine while Pacino pops a handful of “boner pills” and then spends the next 20 minutes talking about the “python in his pants” that’s “hard as Gibraltar.” Somehow, it gets worse from there. The setup is as old as screenwriting classes—Walken’s been tasked by a mob boss to whack a knowing Pacino before sunrise, so this is their last hurrah—but just getting Walken and Pacino in a room together is rife with potential. In the rare quiet moment when the two masters of cadence (Pacino the gruff motormouth, Walken the…well, the Walken) exchange dialogue, the film shows potential. But Stand Up Guys jackknifes in tone more frequently than
Walken himself. In one scene, they’re sitting in a diner talking about the “good old days.” The next, they’re twinned pistol-wielding badasses doling out vigilante justice. They talk about the woes of aging right before one character “ruins” a hooker for all other men (her words) with his gigantic schlong. Then they talk some more about being old. It’s inconceivable how director Fisher Stevens— best known for his accidentally racist turn as an Indian scientist in the 1986 robot-with-feelings gem, Short Circuit—could have amassed such a cast with a script seemingly assembled from a stack of film-school scripts with a chain saw. Even the great Alan Arkin, who shows up briefly as the pair’s
THESE ACTORS DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS FORCED GARBAGE THAT NEVER REACHES BELOW THE SuRFACE. former getaway driver, can’t bring life to some of the most shallowly written gangsters since The Boondock Saints, a film Stand Up Guys also begins to echo in its strained final act. Stand Up Guys is a sad film. Not in its content, per se, since it’s a comedy. It’s tragic in its ability to take a great actor like Pacino and further his descent into caricature. Pacino has been a craggy Muppet version of himself for years, but even at his worst (88 Minutes or Righteous Kill, anyone?) he’s still got some of that manic energy that defined a generation of actors. Walken fares much better, but mainly because you could watch Walken do his taxes and still be delighted every time he speaks. But these actors deserve better than this forced garbage that never reaches below the surface and therefore never achieves anything except a rambling sense of shiftlessness. Maybe it’s time Pacino gets a room at that nice retirement home we call Europe, where bad men like Fisher Stevens can’t steal their medicine and gals like Emmanuelle Riva might want a look at that python. D SEE IT: Stand Up Guys is rated R. It opens Friday at Clackamas, Fox Tower, Lloyd Mall.
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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MOVIES
jan. 30–feb. 5 D AV I D F R O H M A N
the 1960s: conflicted, anomie-riddled, a world of no villains or heroes but rather merely occasional glimpses of decency amid unremitting bleakness. MATTHEW KORFHAGE. Cinema 21.
Beasts of the Southern Wild
A The enchanting Beasts of the
Southern Wild is like Southern-fried, live-action Miyazaki. MATTHEW SINGER. Laurelhurst, Valley.
Getting to Know You(Tube)
Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives
C+ [ONE WEEK ONLY] Like the classic Nova documentary The Miracle of Life, but with fewer in-utero shots and more patchouli, Birth Story charts the biography of midwife Ina May Gaskin, who began delivering babies in the ’70s and continues today, at age 72. In that intentional hippie community in Tennessee (the Farm of the film’s title, which still operates), Gaskin is something of a natural childbirth evangelist, and in Sara Lamm and Mary Wigmore’s adulatory documentary she’s allowed to rail against the rising number of Caesarean sections while also acknowledging the need for modern obstetrics and surgery (which, goodness knows, Downton Abbey has just confirmed). Gaskin is an idealist with a realistic understanding of pregnancy and childbirth, and Lamm and Wigmore provide footage of Gaskin’s scientific discussion of sphincters as well as unabashedly graphic shots of several deliveries. “What if you’ve never seen a breach birth?” Gaskin asks. Worry no more—one is here on full display. And the couple that loves to snog as the woman pops out an infant? There’s one of those here, too. Ever learn Lamaze breathing techniques? They might just help you through some of these scenes. REBECCA JACOBSON. Clinton Street Theater.
Black Sunday
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL] A crazed Vietnam veteran plans a terrorist attack at the Super Bowl. R. Hollywood Theatre. 7:30 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30.
B-Movie Bingo: Rambu: The Intruder
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL, GAMES] Nope, not Sylvester Stallone. Here, Rambu is a police academy dropout with a knack for martial arts. Hollywood Theatre. 7:30 pm Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Broken City
C+ Mark Wahlberg has a rare (and marketable) quality: He remains likable even when his films are not. It’s thus the case that Broken City, despite being a wholly by-the-numbers yarn of political corruption and the one man who can get his hands dirty enough to get the job done (but not so dirty that he becomes part of the problem he’s fighting), is somewhat passable in spite of its familiarity. Allen Hughes’ film is about a cop-turned-private investigator (Wahlberg) who gets in over his head with the obviously corrupt mayor of New York City (Russell Crowe), who is facing an election. Wahlberg and Crowe spend a lot of time butting heads and not so subtly hiding their competing agendas from one another. Wahlberg, despite his best efforts, is occasionally on tough-guy autopilot here. Tonal inconsistency (not to mention a few aimless subplots) threatens to derail things early on, but once it’s cleared its throat and figured out what it’s trying to say, Broken City settles into its role as a serviceable popcorn movie. R. MICHAEL NORDINE. Cedar Hills, Clackamas, Movies on TV, Pioneer Place.
Bullet to the Head
Sylvester Stallone is back as a jaded New Orleans hit man who teams up with a detective to hunt their mutual enemy. Not screened for critics. R. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Lloyd Center, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Movies on TV, Pioneer Place, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville.
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of the thin division between the lawful and the lawless. When one character gives a shooting lesson by tossing a beer can in the air, the other character takes the easy shot after the can lands in the dirt. I think I know how that can feels. R. MATTHEW SINGER. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Lloyd Mall, Pioneer Place.
[ONE NIGHT ONLY] A guided tour through the depths of YouTube. ZOMG BABY ANIMALS. Hollywood Theatre. 7:15 pm Monday, Feb. 4.
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
BIRTH STORY: INA MAY GASKIN AND THE FARM MIDWIVES
Cascade Festival of African Films
The monthlong festival begins with Toussaint Louverture (6:30 pm Friday, Feb. 1), a three-hour epic about the leader of the Haitian Revolution. French director Philippe Niang plans to attend. Also screening are a double feature of films about Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, an 18th-century musician known as “the black Mozart” (2 pm Saturday, Feb. 2), and Elza, about a young Frenchwoman of Guadeloupean descent (7:30 pm Saturday, Feb. 2). Friday’s showing is at the Hollywood Theatre. Others are at Portland Community College’s Cascade campus, Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building, Room 104, 705 N Killingsworth St.
The Comedy
B [TWO DAYS ONLY] Nearly every-
thing that happens in Rick Alverson’s The Comedy is uncomfortable, offputting and morally reprehensible. But the events also amount to a hilarious and needed screed against the ennui and insincerity of the film’s characters. Starring Tim Heidecker of Tim and Eric fame, The Comedy evinces a sensibility-testing variety of anti-comedy, like that pioneered by Andy Kaufman and seen more recently in Jackass. The loose narrative—really a series of semiconnected stunts—follows Heidecker’s Swanson as he and his equally overprivileged friends ride fixies, down PBR by the six-pack and quell their boredom by engaging in mean-spirited stunts directed at any poor soul kind enough to give them the time of day. Though Alverson and his onscreen cohorts initially appear to be building a monument to disaffected hipsterdom, they’re in fact knocking it down and examining what substance—if any— might be found among the oversized sunglasses and cutoff shorts. Swanson takes antisocial behavior to a new level of cruelty, but it’s all a defense mechanism. He carries out misdeed after misdeed in order to provoke a reaction from people more in touch with the normal spectrum of human emotion, doing this to gain a sense of what it’s like to care something for the world around him. At times, The Comedy feels disjointedly episodic in the way it strings incidents together with little connective tissue between them, but it maintains such a compelling tension between humor and discomfort that it’s often hard to notice. The results are not unlike a horror movie: The only thing more difficult than continuing to watch is averting your eyes and missing what might happen next. MICHAEL NORDINE. Clinton Street Theater. 8 pm Wednesday and 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 30-31.
DJ Anjali & Bollywood at the Hollywood: Don
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL] The Hollywood Theatre, with help from DJ Anjali, kicks off a new series celebrating Bollywood. First up is Don, the 1978 Indian action film about a mobster who murders one of his gang members. Hollywood Theatre. 7 pm Thursday, Jan. 31.
Django Unchained
B- Give Quentin Tarantino this much: He’s got balls. Imagine entering a meeting with a major studio and pitching a relentlessly violent, big-budget
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
revenge fantasy about an escaped slave in the pre-Civil War South who slaughters his way through Confederate plantation owners in search of his wife. If nothing else, Django Unchained has audacity going for it. But it raises a question that, ultimately, makes it tough to enjoy: When dredging up the ugliest period of American history for the sake of entertainment, is being cool enough? Because Django Unchained is exceptionally cool. A mashed-up spaghetti Western and blaxploitation flick, it is the kind of kinetic pastiche job that’s made Tarantino a genre unto himself. It’s got tight, crackling dialogue, and three actors who revel in delivering it. It’s got a handful of images—such as a close-up of a slave owner’s blood misting across cotton bolls—that are among the best in the director’s oeuvre. It’s got original music by both Ennio Morricone and Rick Ross, and a slow-motion shootout set to a posthumous collaboration between Tupac and James Brown. Why, then, did I leave the theater feeling not exhilarated but empty? Django Unchained trivializes an atrocity, and that makes it hard to digest as fun, frivolous popcorn. Its staggering runtime—two hours and 45 minutes— is earned only by its three lead actors. As the sociopath-cum-abolitionist Dr. King Schultz, Christoph Waltz makes Tarantino’s words sing. Jamie Foxx finds a captivating stoicism as Django. And Leonardo DiCaprio, playing a psychotic cloaked in Southern gentility, bites down with rotted teeth into a role of slimy, slithering, utterly unsubtle evil. With Django Unchained, Tarantino has made another monument of cinematic cool. But has he made a responsible film? And does it matter? That, it turns out, is the biggest question of all. R. MATTHEW SINGER. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Lloyd Center, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Fox Tower, Movies on TV, Wilsonville.
Gangster Squad
C- Talk about a misfire. An extra-pulpy 1940s crime drama with visions of The Untouchables in its eyes, Gangster Squad aims for homage, but the impatient direction of Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland) lacks the grace and wit of a true noir. Based on the allegedly true story of an LAPD shadow unit that brought down one of the city’s most notorious crime lords, Gangster Squad stars Sean Penn as Mickey Cohen, a boxer-turned-psychopathic kingpin with a scowl permanently etched into his face. Seriously: The makeup gives Penn the look of a Dick Tracy villain, and he plays Cohen with attendant cartoonish malevolence. The new police chief (Nick Nolte, talking like he swallowed Tom Waits) gives Josh Brolin’s bullheaded but incorruptible Sgt. James O’Mara—a World War II vet for whom the war has not ended— the green light to engage in guerrilla combat with the previously untouchable Cohen. Ryan Gosling is a fellow vet for whom the war has ended and who is content to slurp cocktails and chase tail, but his usual smolder is snuffed by Will Beall’s underboiled script. Gangster Squad bulldozes from elevator brawls to jailbreaks to car chases to a needlessly showy slow-mo shootout in a hotel lobby, pausing only for perfunctory male bonding and clunky dialogue that spells out the half-baked theme
B- Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters is a totally different monkey from the rest of the neo-fairy-tale crop. This isn’t some serious epic or vanity project for an aging Hollywood queen. This is a big, dumb action flick, and frankly, I’d take that over Julia Roberts in Mirror Mirror any day. The film finds that Hansel (Jeremy Renner…he’s so hot right now) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have grown up and developed, and now they’ve got a thing for tight leather and a knack for hunting, torturing and killing witches. Naturally, that brings them to a village terrorized by Famke Janssen. They fight. Like, a lot. The stars look great, but it’s obvious none of them gives a shit. The person who does care is Norwegian director Tommy Wirkola, making his American debut following the zombie Nazi cult hit Dead Snow. Wirkola’s main concern is action, and the flick crackles with sadistic breathlessness—nary a head is left on its neck, and everything burns. There are a lot of glossed-over and highly disturbing subtexts one could bring up in tearing apart this film (which most critics certainly will)—among them its rampant violence toward women. But that’s reading too deeply into this tale. This is a gory confection that’s deeply flawed, horrifically acted and utterly ridiculous, but that nonetheless manages to be fun, which is something none of the other fairy-tale reimaginings of this new studio cash grab has managed. And disturbing content aside, there’s nothing in this film more troubling than watching Roberts’ selflove in Mirror Mirror. R. AP KRYZA. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Lloyd Center, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Movies on TV, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville.
A Haunted House
A Paranormal Activity spoof, starring Marlon Wayans and Cedric the Entertainer. Not screened for critics. R. Eastport, Division.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
B+ The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey takes Peter Jackson’s penchant for sprawling panoramic views, large-scale melees and lingering shots of small men gazing into the distance and distills it through the eyes of young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), prodded into adventure by the wizard Gandalf (a returning Ian McKellen, clearly enjoying himself). The mission: join a group of dwarves led by fallen king Thorin (a gruff Richard Armitage) to reclaim their mountain kingdom and its treasures from a gigantic dragon. “All good stories deserve embellishment,” Gandalf tells Bilbo, and it’s safe to say the film delivers in a talltale sense, from a game of wits with snarling cockney trolls to the infamous “Riddles in the Dark” sequence with a never-more-frightening Gollum (motion-captured by Andy Serkis to perfection). After a slow and decidedly kiddie start, The Hobbit moves at the lightning pace of a chase movie intercut with stellar mini-adventures involving orcs astride wolves, gigantic spiders, soaring eagles and reanimated kings. It’s all anchored firmly by Freeman’s assured performance, which exudes charm and childlike fear. From the little man’s perspective, it all seems new again. PG-13. AP KRYZA. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Forest, Lloyd Center, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Movies on TV, Pioneer Place, Sherwood.
Holy Motors
A This strange, poignant and thor-
oughly unshakeable piece of cinematic art couldn’t have come from a more unlikely source: Leos Carax, the visionary French director whose last feature, Pola X, landed with such a resounding commercial and critical thud in 1999 that, until recently, no one would hire him. So with nothing to lose, and the financial backing of a half-dozen production companies, Carax went for broke on Holy Motors, using nearly two hours of screen time to comment wryly and sharply on the state of film and the entertainment industry. The main story follows M. Oscar (the craggy and lithe Denis Lavant, in a bravura performance), a gent who drifts through Paris in the back of a limousine and adopts various guises along the way. He emerges from the limo as an old woman begging for change on a bridge, a motion-capture artist in a skintight bodysuit and, in the most memorable sequence, as a mentally unstable homeless man who eats flowers and manages to kidnap Eva Mendes. By commenting on each era of the film industry—from its earliest experiments to modern CGI—and by using some of its reference points (look for the nod to the 1960 classic Eyes Without a Face at the end), the director urges viewers to remember how potent and indelible the art form can be. ROBERT HAM. Living Room Theaters.
How to Survive a Plague
A- “Ninety-three through ’95 were
the worst years,” says longtime AIDS activist David Barr near the close of How to Survive a Plague. “And then we got lucky.” The sentiment captures the general feel of the nine-year battle that began with communal outrage and advocacy and then grew to inevitable in-fighting between splintered groups. What the members of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, or ACT UP, shared was an understanding of urgency and the political, ideological and bureaucratic bullshit delaying effective treatment, let alone a cure. Director David France is a reporter by trade, and he produces a near-seamless piece of long-form journalism by weaving together home video and broadcast footage to show the victories and inevitable missteps of ACT UP. What France presents is less a call to arms than a retrospective of the resourcefulness of a group that did far more than heckle politicians, even producing a medical glossary and comprehensive treatment plan at a time when neither was provided by a government institution. Few AIDS documentaries manage to balance both the pragmatism and personal cost of the uphill battle for effective AIDS research and treatment, and France does it with the right amount of sentiment and cold, hard statistics. In the end, How to Survive effectively proves that, in the face of any profound loss, knowledge is power. SAUNDRA SORENSON. Living Room Theaters.
Hyde Park on Hudson
B+ Like so many great romances in
history, the affair between Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his cousin began with a timid hand job. At least, that’s how his paramour Daisy (Laura Linney) remembers it. In Hyde Park on Hudson, director Roger Michell brings us the tale of Margaret “Daisy” Suckley’s naughty exploits with distant relative FDR (Bill Murray). Leave it to Murray, though, to make something as icky as incest seem somehow sweet and forgivable. His gaggle of doting ladies are well cast, three in particular: Linney’s skittish Daisy darts about with irritating but convincing anxiety; Olivia Williams becomes a ballsy and pragmatic Eleanor Roosevelt; and FDR’s mother (Elizabeth Wilson) is deliciously bitchy. Then into the covetous hubbub waltz the King and Queen of England, hoping to convince President Roosevelt to back them in World War II. FDR gets the prudish Brits to loosen up, making his way to the moral of this film: The key is finding happiness in what is, rather than in what should be. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Mr. President. R. EMILY JENSEN. Fox Tower.
jan. 30–feb. 5
The Impossible
C It’s always tricky to criticize a film for what it fails to depict rather than for what it actually captures. But in The Impossible, the omission is so glaring that to disregard it would be to commit a similarly shortsighted act of complacency. Though it centers on the 2004 tsunami that ravaged Southeast Asia and killed 230,000 people, Juan Antonio Bayona’s film is less a tale of cataclysmic human and environmental devastation than a troublingly narrow narrative about one white, privileged, European family whose vacation is spoiled by a crushing wall of water. As a disaster drama, it’s immersive and at points extraordinary: When the tsunami arrives, it crashes and swirls so violently that I was relieved the action wasn’t rendered in 3-D. The family of five, who minutes prior had been exchanging Christmas gifts and uninspired dialogue, is swept up in the surge. We witness the mother, Maria (Naomi Watts), receive a particularly vicious thrashing, spun as if in a blender and then flayed to the bone by debris. As she reunites with 12-year-old Lucas (Tom Holland), Bayona seems to think that lingering over dirty wounds and bloody flaps of skin can make up for Sergio G. Sánchez’s thin screenplay, but he’s fortunate to have Holland and Watts, who both give gritty, heartfelt performances. Meanwhile, the few locals are relegated to window dressing, even as the film keeps reminding us that this is a “true story,” with those words appearing twice in the title credits. But did we need any “true story” of this colossal tragedy adapted for the big screen, least of all one of a lavish vacation gone wrong? R. REBECCA JACOBSON. Cedar Hills, Clackamas, Fox Tower.
The Last Stand
B- The good news: After a 10-year absence, the most legendary action hero’s cinematic return is totally an Arnold Schwarzenegger flick, a loud, riotous symphony of bad one-liners, explosions, blood, guns and fast cars. The bad news is that The Last Stand is an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie, and not one of the Total Recall or True Lies variety. In its simplicity, it hews closer to Red Heat or Raw Deal. This is gun-worshiping, masochistic comfort food for anyone who ever stayed up late watching Commando, and in many respects it delivers on its promises of mayhem. Said mayhem is delivered by the great Kim Jee-woon, a master of taking genre tropes and amping them up to ridiculous levels. The South Korean auteur proved his chops with The Good, the Bad, the Weird, a kimchi Western with a cacophony of inventive violence. So it’s only fitting that his Hollywood debut offers much of the same, albeit in a stripped-down, dumb-fuck shoot’em-up. The plot could have been written by a 6-year-old: A Mexican drug lord escapes police custody, gets in a souped-up Corvette and makes a 200 mph dash for the border, where a semi-retired badass (Ah-nuld) is sheriff of a sleepy town. When the Corvette (and its accompanying henchmen) arrives, things—actually, pretty much everything—go boom. Especially bodies. When Arnold plays Road Runner to a sea of Wile E. Coyotes with automatic weapons, The Last Stand is a welcome return to form—a hysterically stupid celebration of chaos delivered with childlike love. R. AP KRYZA. Eastport.
Les Misérables
D Derived from Victor Hugo’s humanitarian novel, already a doorstop weepie, Les Miz is in musical form a bathetic pressure washer loaded with human tears. In Tom
Hooper’s (The King’s Speech) loose directorial grip, this water cannon jerks itself around as in an old Looney Tunes cartoon, spraying the world with salty liquid. As the saintly thief-gone-noble Jean Valjean pursued by the relentless Javert (Russell Crowe) through the streets of 19th-century France, Hugh Jackman is a terrifically convincing physical presence. But he is hobbled by Hooper’s decision to have the actors sing every line. Jackman is more a song-and-dance man than a balladeer, and his trilling over-enunciation bleeds his character of any possible nuance. Crowe, likewise, sounds less like a punctilious follower of the law than a bar-band bellower who needs a drink. Despite some expensive-looking overhead shots of degraded French life, Hooper’s epic film is centered doggedly on the
suffering found in a human face. In the case of Anne Hathaway as the dying prostitute Fantine, this is a wise decision. She becomes a Jeanne D’Arc figure, ruined and beatific, sobbingly and haltingly wresting “I Dreamed a Dream” from Susan Boyle with the imperfections of her rendition. Les Miz is, more than anything, painfully obvious Oscar bait. In shooting relentlessly for a statuette, Hooper makes all of humanity into much the same thing: heavy and small, shining on the surface but just plain dead on the inside. PG-13. MATTHEW KORFHAGE. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Lloyd Center, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Movies on TV, Pioneer Place, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville.
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REVIEW J O N AT H A N W E N K
Imitation of Life
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL] In John M. Stahl’s 1934 film, a white widow and a black maid become pancake-batter magnates. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 7 pm Wednesday, Jan. 30.
MOVIES
zombie’s got a crush: Nicholas hoult.
WARM BODIES “Don’t be creepy, don’t be creepy, don’t be creepy,” the lovesick zombie begs himself as he stares, slack-jawed, at the very blond, very alive object of his affection. His name is “R” (he thinks) and he’s your average twentysomething zombie. He spends his days groaning and shuffling through an airport, dining on people meat or collecting trinkets to decorate the cluttered “home” he’s made in an abandoned jetliner. He’s conflicted about all the killing but, considering his only way to reconnect to the world is to download a human’s memories by devouring their brains, he’ll take it. That is, until he locks eyes with shotgunwielding Julie and falls head-over-undead-heels in love. In a movie genre already clogged with teens trysting with milquetoast vampires and hunky werewolves, forcing zombies to woo humans sounds like a calculating supernatural romance cash grab. But director Jonathan Levine’s goofy wisp of a film, Warm Bodies, based on Seattle author Isaac Marion’s 2011 novel, is a charming lurch through zombieland that bypasses the usual headshots to aim at the heart—and scores a surprisingly direct hit. It helps that Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy, X-Men: First Class) is the world’s cutest corpse: all mussed hair, starburst eyes and deepshadowed lids…and a little mouth slime. After saving Julie from his “friends” (including a hilariously marble-mouthed Rob Corddry), he courts her with canned fruit cocktail and Coronas, struggling to connect through grunts and cuts from his scavenged record collection—including Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart.” Men do a lot of strange things for a date, but this is the only case (so far) of a dude eating a girl’s boyfriend’s brain in order to get to know her better. When Julie (Teresa Palmer, in Kristen Stewart’s oversized army jacket from Twilight) starts to warm up to her undead suitor, he, in turn, remembers how to be human. Eventually the pair must face skeletal, fury-filled zombies called “bonies” and, even scarier, John Malkovich (as the human resistance leader and Julie’s dad). Let’s be clear: This is a popcorn flick. The CGI effects are laughable, and it takes a while to adjust to the willfully cheeseball tone, but once it clicks, it’s irresistible. In this world, all you need is love. And sometimes a shotgun. KELLY CLARKE.
Getting cozy with the undead.
B+ see it: Warm Bodies is rated PG-13. It opens Friday at Lloyd Center, Pioneer Place, Clackamas, Eastport, Bridgeport, Tigard.
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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MOVIES
jan. 30–feb. 5 FIRST LIGHT FILMS
Life of Pi
C Ignore the tiger for a moment. Ang
Lee’s Life of Pi is a very simple story with a grandiose backdrop. For much of the film, we’re alone on a lifeboat, in the middle of the Pacific, with a boy and a Bengal. Rendered in sumptuous 3-D, the swoony special effects and churning waves create a palpable sense of motion. But the story lacks such pull. Based on Yann Martel’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the film surrenders the book’s more subtle messages for ham-handed schlock and slack-jawed awe. And unlike better feel-good films, which slowly lock their fangs around your heart, Life of Pi seems downright manipulative. PG. REBECCA JACOBSON. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Lloyd Center, Movies on TV, Tigard.
Lincoln
ALL THE LITTLE THINGS
B Steven Spielberg’s stately drama
is shrewd, balanced and impressively restrained. Focusing on the fight to abolish slavery in the first few months of 1865, the film turns in mesmerizing moments of political wheeling and dealing, as well as blistering debates and brazen name-calling on the House floor. More like a stage production than a Spielbergian spectacle, some of the best dialogue comes during the boisterous House vote on the 13th Amendment. Though we know the result, Spielberg manages to imbue the scene with moral complexity and gripping tension, as well as rowdy humor. It’s both inspirational and disheartening: Could contemporary politicians overcome such partisan gridlock? “Say all we’ve done is shown the world that democracy isn’t chaos?” Lincoln asks at one point. Nearly 150 years on, can we claim the same? PG-13. REBECCA JACOBSON. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Lloyd Center, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Fox Tower, Movies on TV, Tigard, St. Johns.
Little Otik
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL] Surrealist filmmaker Jan Švankmajer adapts an old Czech folk tale in this jab at conspicuous consumption. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 7 pm Friday, Feb. 1.
Lunacy
[TWO DAYS ONLY, REVIVAL] Drawing from both Edgar Allan Poe and the Marquis de Sade, Jan Švankmajer’s 2005 film follows a man in a terrifying mental asylum. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 2 pm Saturday and 7 pm Sunday, Feb. 2-3.
Mama
C+ One glance at Guillermo del Toro’s filmography gives the sneaking suspicion that the Mexican wunderkind really hates children. So it’s no surprise that the latest film to get his seal of approval is Mama, a potboiler about feral children stalked by a bloodthirsty apparition. Alas, Andrés Muschietti’s Mama loses its footing about halfway through, taking what begins as a spectacularly creepy, minimalist slowburner and thrusting it into cliché. The film opens with a deranged father who, having killed several co-workers and his wife, kidnaps his daughters. But he careens off the road and meets an unfortunate fate, leaving his little girls on their own. Five years later, we meet the girls’ uncle (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), who discovers that little Lily (Isabelle Nélisse) and Victoria (Megan Charpentier) have survived essentially as animals, with Lily snarling and crawling on all fours. The film is strongest when it follows the girls’ social reacclimation and psychoanalysis, which reveals that they invented an imaginary protector named Mama— only, of course, she’s not so imaginary, and she’s not too keen that the girls have warmed to their adoptive mother (a gothed-up and surprisingly droll Jessica Chastain). As Mama makes her presence known, the film is stomach-churningly tense, with ace sound design. Then people start getting stupid, and the second half of the film teeters into the most macabre episode of Scooby Doo ever. It’s also at this point that the ghost ceases to be scary. Suddenly Mama is front and center, looking like test footage from The Grudge and less interested in ter-
42
rorizing the characters than in popping her head directly before the camera. Could it be that Mama’s real goal is to make the ultimate photobomb? If so, nicely done. Either way, the over-reliance on special effects and the sacrifice of actual dread earned through organic scares make Mama land with a thud. PG-13. AP KRYZA. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Living Room Theaters, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Lloyd Mall, Movies on TV, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville.
Oscar-Nominated Short Films
[ONE WEEK ONLY] Four programs of short films (animated, live-action and two documentary lineups) vying for a shiny statuette. For a schedule, see hollywoodtheatre.org. Hollywood Theatre.
Parental Guidance
C- Upon discovering they’re the second-tier grandparents, Bette Midler and Billy Crystal descend upon their daughter’s fully automated household to take care of their quirky grandkids while Tomei and her husband are out of town. Tired technology jokes aside, this is a fairly pleasant, predictable and feel-good movie. PG. JOHN LOCANTHI. Clackamas, Movies on TV.
Parker
A crime thriller based on Donald E. Westlake’s novels, starring Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez. Not screened for critics. R. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Fox Tower, Hilltop, Lloyd Mall, Movies on TV, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville..
Quartet
B You’ve seen this film before: A pack of love-drunk song-and-dancers needs a ton of money to save their home, so they band together to put on a big music show. Can they pull it off? Will the big star agree to take part? Heck, it’s the plot of at least two Muppets movies. But in Quartet, Dustin Hoffman’s twilight directorial debut, the stars are neither Muppets nor moppets, but septuagenarians. The film, which takes place in a ridiculously well-appointed retirement home for former classical musicians, acts as both valedictory and wake for an entire passing generation of British actors and musicians—notably Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Billy Connolly and Tom Courtenay, alongside a host of former opera stars. The ensemble includes the requisite caring doctor (Sheridan Smith), comedic aging Lothario (Connolly) and tragically dippy Alzheimer’s patient (Pauline Collins, liar-liar Sarah on Upstairs, Downstairs), who all help an old, proud couple learn to live and love again. But it’s surprisingly fun. Maggie Smith plays Maggie Smith, of course—which is to say she walks around scaring the living shit out of everybody—but by the end it’s a lovely and vulnerable performance. Connolly, meanwhile, performs joyful frottage on every scene. While Quartet toys with treacherous sentimentality, it saves itself by virtue of a cheery patience in exposition rivaled only by midafternoon ads for motorized wheelchairs. Following up on France’s All Together, starring Jane Fonda, Quartet is the second
Willamette Week JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
high-profile film in about a year to feature an ensemble of lovelorn retirees. Of the two, Quartet is much less ambitious and much more successful. While Hoffman seems very aware he’s gently closing the book on an entire generation of entertainers, he nonetheless allows them to do what they’ve always done best: be entertaining. PG13. MATTHEW KORFHAGE. Fox Tower.
Quick Change
[ONE DAY ONLY, REVIVAL] Dig a Pony begins a monthlong celebration of Bill Murray with the 1990 caper about a bank robbery. Dig a Pony.
Reel Relics: David Bowie and the Story of Ziggy Stardust
[TWO NIGHTS ONLY] Videographer and sound engineer Darren Aboulafia inaugurates a new film series devoted to music with this BBC documentary about Bowie’s importance as both a rock star and as a fashion trendsetter. Clinton Street Theater. 9:30 pm FridaySaturday, Feb. 1-2.
A Royal Affair
B For a country best known to Americans for its progressive social policies and its invention of Lego blocks, Denmark wasn’t always at the liberal and intellectual vanguard. In the late 18th century, as the rest of Europe crept out of the mud and murk of feudalism, Denmark remained a repressive state, with a reactionary elite ruling over a population of poor peasants and serfs. Nikolaj Arcel’s A Royal Affair introduces us to a true story from this time, a love triangle among the mentally unstable and infantile Danish king Christian VII; his Englishborn wife, Caroline Mathilda; and the forward-thinking, German-born physician Johann Struensee, who becomes an adviser to Christian and a paramour to Caroline. A brainy bodice-ripper of a tale, it’s stuffed with sumptuous costumes, masked balls and fevered discussion of Rousseau and Voltaire. Struensee is a devotee of these Enlightenment thinkers, and as he ingratiates himself to Christian, the king becomes a pawn who pushes through his puppet master’s radical reforms. Likewise, it’s the passion of the mind, rather than of the body, that draws together Caroline and Struensee—despite the film’s title, their illicit romance isn’t terribly spicy. As Struensee, Mads Mikkelsen’s searing eyes and cut-from-stone jaw—hell, even his jutting cheekbones—exude broody passion, but Alicia Vikander’s Caroline is a bit spiritless. For all its lush details and historical richness, A Royal Affair suffers from an overlong running time and scenes of oddly excessive restraint. Like Vikander, it’s terribly pretty but just a tad flat. R. REBECCA JACOBSON. Living Room Theaters.
Show Boat
[ONE DAY ONLY, REVIVAL] Generally considered the best of the three screen adaptations of Oscar Hammerstein II’s musical, James Whale’s 1936 version starred four of the original Broadway cast members. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 4:15 pm Saturday, Feb. 2.
Silver Linings Playbook
A- With Silver Linings Playbook, David
O. Russell emerges with one of filmdom’s funniest stories of crippling manic depression. If Frank Capra had made an R-rated flick for the Prozac generation, it would look like this. The film follows the social reacclimation of Philly schoolteacher Pat (Bradley Cooper), who is institutionalized after beating his wife’s lover half to death. Pat forms an unlikely relationship with widow Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who doggedly tries to win his affections despite the fact that he’s set on winning back the unwilling wife. As a family drama, Silver Linings is top tier. As a romance, it’s blissfully unconventional. And as a foulmouthed ode to classic Hollywood, well, Capra would have fucking approved. R. AP KRYZA. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, CineMagic, Lake Twin, Moreland, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Fox Tower, Hilltop, Lloyd Mall, Movies on TV, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville, St. Johns.
Skyfall
A- James Bond should be forgiven
a little creakiness. But any concern about the franchise’s relevance is silenced within two seconds of Skyfall, which to its very last moment brilliantly maintains the gritty modernist aesthetic of Casino Royale while injecting elements that were largely absent in that installment, including gadgetry, sass and humor. PG-13. AP KRYZA. Bagdad, Edgefield, Indoor Twin, Kennedy, Laurelhurst, Mt. Hood, St. Johns, Valley.
Sound City
[ONE NIGHT ONLY] Through interviews and performances, Dave Grohl’s documentary pays tribute to the legendary (and now-defunct) Los Angeles recording studio. Hollywood Theatre. 7:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 31.
Surviving Life
C [TWO NIGHTS ONLY, REVIVAL]
Old age has made an honest man of Jan Švankmajer. “This is not a formal experiment,” the 75-year-old Švankmajer says at the introductory monologue of his 2010 film, “just a poor, imperfect substitute for a liveaction film.” He’s referring to the fact that the film is shot using stop-motion of paper cutouts, but his statement also applies to the film’s plot. Rather than offering relief to an audience oversteeped in idealized Hollywood imagery, the admission just inspires dread, which lingers throughout the 109-minute runtime. Švankmajer’s usual surreal conceits have been domesticated: Surviving Life’s protagonist, the everyman Evžen (Václav Helšus), wears worn suits to his job as a desk jockey, and his wife constantly nags him to buy lottery tickets. But in the dream world, a beautiful woman (Klára Issová), whose name constantly changes, seduces him and brings him back to her apartment. Unable to remain in the dream world despite winning the lottery and buying a secret apartment to sleep in all day, Evžen begins seeing a shrink. As portraits of Freud and Jung gesture and fight above him, the film painfully fulfills its tagline of “a psychoanalytical comedy.” While sometimes quirky, there is frustratingly little of Švankmajer’s trademark creepiness in Surviving Life, and Freudian psychoanalysis, which has long since jumped the shark, is not questioned for a minute by any of the characters—or by Švankmajer himself. MITCH LILLIE. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 4:30 pm Sunday, 7 pm Monday, Feb. 3-4.
Švankmajer Shorts
[ONE NIGHT ONLY] A wide-ranging collection of shorts from iconic, bizarre Czech filmmaker Jan Švankmajer. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 9 pm Friday, Feb. 1.
This Is 40
B Judd Apatow’s latest undertaking revisits Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann), the churlish yet lovable couple first introduced in Knocked Up. The story picks up a few years after that rom-com, and though its tagline suggests otherwise, This Is 40 is not even “sort of” a sequel. Pete and Debbie are turning 40 within a week of each other, and their lives
are a depressing stew of resentment, regret and unfulfilling sex, all conveyed through sarcastic hyperbole. Though Apatow’s souped-up potty humor and fantastic cast keep the laughs coming, This Is 40 at times frustrates in its insistence to be, well, just a movie about turning 40. But it’s still worth a watch: Apatow brings us close enough to Pete and Debbie that anyone can see a piece of themselves in their choppy love life. It may not work out so happily for everyone, but damn if This Is 40 doesn’t make it seem possible. R. EMILY JENSEN. Clackamas, Lloyd Mall.
To Kill a Mockingbird
[ONE NIGHT ONLY, REVIVAL] No birds were harmed in the making of Robert Mulligan’s 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium. 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 2.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 C- All Breaking Dawn Part 2 does is confirm that Edward and his family are one boring bunch of bloodsuckers. Put a stake in it already, will ya? PG13. KELLY CLARKE. Indoor Twin, Mt. Hood, Lloyd Mall.
Wreck-It Ralph
B+ In Rich Moore’s entertaining
Wreck-It Ralph, John C. Reilly voices the title character, a villain in an 8-bit arcade game called Fix-It Felix Jr. In the world behind the arcade screen, Ralph isn’t a villain; he’s just a guy working a thankless 9-to-5 job. He gets tossed in the mud every day and can never win a medal. You don’t need to know much about old games to enjoy this alternately funny and touching film, but it rewards those who do. PG. JOHN LOCANTHI. Bagdad, Edgefield, Kennedy, Mt. Hood, St. Johns, Valley.
Zero Dark Thirty
A- For all the talk about torture Zero
Dark Thirty has generated, you’d be forgiven for thinking director Kathryn Bigelow spends 157 minutes depicting detainees being waterboarded, strung up with ropes and crammed into confinement boxes. This is, of course, not the case. The majority of the film is an intricate police procedural about the decadelong hunt for Osama bin Laden, with a 30-minute climax depicting the assault on his Abbottabad compound. But those scenes of torture, frontloaded in the first third of the film, dredge up such challenging, uncomfortable and important moral questions it’s no wonder they’ve dominated discussion since before Zero Dark Thirty was released. Yet I’m unable to see the film as some rah-rah, killthe-motherfucker piece of jingoism that pines for the days when detainees wore dog collars. Instead, it’s as uncomfortable in its relentlessly raw representations of torture as it is in its characters’ emotionally ambiguous reactions—or nonreactions—to those acts of torture. Take the first scene of torture: CIA officer Maya (Jessica Chastain) has just arrived in Pakistan and is present for the violent interrogation of a detainee named Ammar. Maya cringes, clenches her jaw, clasps her arms across her chest and at one point covers her eyes. But there’s an unsettling slightness to these reactions. The torture is terrible and sad in its brutality; Maya’s reactions are terrible and sad in their faintness. Where Maya shows no faintness is in her single-minded drive to root out bin Laden, which Chastain fiercely portrays. Her determination, as we know, pays off, and Zero Dark Thirty builds to the pivotal raid on bin Laden’s compound by a group of Navy SEALs. Largely shot with night-vision lenses, it’s a dramatic shift from earlier cinematographic naturalism, but it remains eerily and grippingly real. The suspense is thick, the carnage plentiful, and the celebration brief and fraught— this is no simple act of triumphalism. Much like the film’s earlier depictions of torture, it’s wrenchingly decisive yet, ultimately, inconclusive. R. REBECCA JACOBSON. Cedar Hills, Eastport, Clackamas, Mill Plain, Lloyd Center, Oak Grove, Division, Evergreen Parkway, Hilltop, Movies on TV, Pioneer Place, Sherwood, Tigard, Wilsonville.
MOVIES
FEB. 1–7
BREWVIEWS
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DISNEY
FUNNY OVER EVERYTHING Sun 08:00 GETTING TO KNOW YOUTUBE Mon 07:15 THE INTRUDER Tue 07:30 ACROSS 110TH STREET Wed SMOKE SIGNALS
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SHORT AND SWEET: Cumulatively clocking in at a brisk 40 minutes, this year’s Oscar-nominated animated shorts are a uniformly charming bunch. The briefest is the 2-minute, stop-motion Fresh Guacamole, in which inedible objects—a grenade, a pincushion, a baseball—become a bowl of tasty dip. In Maggie Simpson in “The Longest Daycare,” Homer and Marge’s infant daughter is dropped off at the Ayn Rand School for Tots. The short harks back to the dense wit of The Simpsons’ earlier days—in 5 minutes, it packs a surfeit of mordant and clever images: Maggie wearing a caterpillar in a Frida Kahlo-style unibrow, a pot of paint labeled “bleakest black” and freaky Raggedy Ayn dolls. Adam and Dog is a lushly illustrated tale about man’s best friend, while the dizzy-making Head Over Heels finds a longmarried couple that has grown literally apart, with the husband living on the floor and the wife on the ceiling. But the most delightful of all might be Paperman, a 7-minute wisp that blends hand-drawn and computer-generated animation to tell the story of a missed connection in midcentury New York City. With its playful sound design, elegant black-and-white palette and bouncy paper-airplane choreography, Paperman delivers. REBECCA JACOBSON. Showing at: Hollywood. Best paired with: Anthem Pear Cider. Also showing: Promised Land (Academy, Laurelhurst). Laurelhurst Theatre & Pub
Lloyd Center 10 and IMAX
1510 NE. Multnomah St., 800-326-3264 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS -- AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:25, 02:50, 05:10, 07:40, 10:05 WARM BODIES Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:00, 02:30, 05:00, 07:30, 10:10 BULLET TO THE HEAD Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:15, 02:45, 05:15, 07:45, 10:15 ZERO DARK THIRTY Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:30, 03:00, 06:40, 09:45 DJANGO UNCHAINED Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-TueWed 12:10, 03:45, 07:20, 09:55 LES MISÉRABLES Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:40 LINCOLN Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:45, 03:10, 06:30 LIFE OF PI 3D Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 12:35, 03:30, 06:50, 09:50 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 02:20, 04:40, 07:10 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 12:05 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3D Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-TueWed 11:55, 09:35 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY 3D Fri-SatSun-Mon 07:55 JOSH GROBAN LIVE: ALL THAT ECHOES Mon 07:30 THE METROPOLITAN OPERA: MARIA STUARDA ENCORE Wed 06:30 TOP GUN: AN IMAX 3D EXPERIENCE
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03:05, 06:30, 09:05 SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:25, 03:15, 06:00, 08:45 MAMA Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 12:15, 03:20, 06:20, 08:50 ARGO FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:35, 03:35, 06:15, 08:55 PARKER Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 12:30, 03:10, 06:10, 08:50 GANGSTER SQUAD Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 12:10, 03:10, 06:10, 08:45 MOVIE 43 Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:20, 03:20, 06:25, 08:50 THIS IS 40 Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 12:00, 03:00, 06:00, 08:55
Bagdad Theater and Pub
3702 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 503-249-7474 SKYFALL Fri-Sat-Tue-Wed 06:00 PROMISED LAND Fri-Sat-Sun-Tue-Wed 09:15 WRECK-IT RALPH Sat 02:00 THE SUPER BOWL Sun 03:30
Cinema 21
616 NW 21st Ave., 503-223-4515 BARBARA Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 04:30, 07:00, 09:00
Clinton Street Theater
2522 SE Clinton St., 503-238-8899 BIRTH STORY: INA MAY GASKIN AND THE FARM MIDWIVES FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 07:30 DAVID BOWIE & THE STORY OF ZIGGY STARDUST Fri-Sat 09:30 THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Sat 12:00
2735 E Burnside St., 503-232-5511 SEARCHING FOR YELLOW Fri-Sat-Sun 04:40 ANNA KARENINA FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 07:15 BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 07:00 CLOUD ATLAS Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 09:05 SKYFALL Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 06:30, 09:30 PROMISED LAND Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 06:40 SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 09:15
Mission Theater and Pub
1624 NW Glisan St., 503-249-7474-5 PORTLANDIA Fri 07:00, 10:00 SING YOUR SONG Sat 07:00 THE SUPER BOWL Sun 03:30 NO FILMS SHOWING TODAY Mon ANNA KARENINA Tue-Wed 05:30 PROMISED LAND Tue-Wed 08:10
CineMagic Theatre
2021 SE Hawthorne Blvd., 503-231-7919 SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 05:30, 08:05
Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy Blvd., 503-281-4215 THE OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 2013: ANIMATED Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 07:00 THE OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS 2013: LIVE ACTION Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 09:00 56 UP Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 06:45, 09:20 CASCADE FESTIVAL OF AFRICAN FILMS Fri 06:30 OSCAR DOCUMENTARY SHORTS: PROGRAM A Sat-Sun 02:30 OSCAR DOCUMENTARY SHORTS: PROGRAM B Sat-Sun 05:00
846 SW Park Ave., 800-326-3264 STAND UP GUYS Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:45, 02:25, 05:00, 07:20, 09:55 PARKER Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:35, 02:10, 04:45, 07:25, 10:00 AMOUR Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 11:30, 02:15, 03:30, 04:35, 07:15, 08:30, 09:30 QUARTET Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:05, 02:20, 04:40, 07:10, 09:25 DJANGO UNCHAINED FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:00, 03:30, 07:30 LES MISÉRABLES Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 12:20, 04:15, 07:35 THE IMPOSSIBLE Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-TueWed 11:30, 02:00, 04:30, 07:05, 09:40 HYDE PARK ON HUDSON Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 12:10, 06:15 SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:45, 02:00, 04:40, 07:20, 09:50 LINCOLN Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:15, 02:30, 06:30, 09:35
NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium
1219 SW Park Ave., 503-221-1156 SVANKMAJER SHORTS Fri 09:00 LUNACY SatSun 07:00 SHOW BOAT Sat 04:15 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Sat 07:00 SURVIVING LIFE (THEORY AND PRACTICE) Sun 04:30
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340 SW Morrison St., 800-326-3264 WARM BODIES Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 01:00, 03:45, 07:00, 09:50 BULLET TO THE HEAD Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 01:05, 03:40, 07:30, 10:10 ZERO DARK THIRTY FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:50, 03:30, 06:30, 09:30 MOVIE 43 Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 12:55, 04:20, 06:50, 10:15 BROKEN CITY Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 03:50, 09:40 GANGSTER SQUAD Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 01:10, 06:40 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY 3D Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 12:40, 08:00 THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 04:15
Living Room Theaters
341 SW 10th Ave., 971-222-2010 56 UP Fri-Sat-Sun-MonTue-Wed 01:45, 06:45 A ROYAL AFFAIR Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:45, 02:00, 05:00, 07:15, 09:40 ARGO Fri-SatSun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:40, 01:00, 04:25, 07:00, 09:30 HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 3D Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 11:10, 02:20, 03:30, 05:30, 07:30, 08:20, 09:35 HOLY MOTORS Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 04:50, 09:55 HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE FriSat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:35, 02:30, 09:45 MAMA Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tue-Wed 11:30, 01:50, 04:00, 06:10, 10:10 SEARCHING FOR SUGAR MAN Fri-Sat-SunMon-Tue-Wed 12:00, 04:40, 07:50
SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CALL THEATERS OR VISIT WWEEK.COM/MOVIETIMES FOR THE MOST UP-TODATE INFORMATION FRIDAY-THURSDAY, FEB. 1-7, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED
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ELECTROCUTION RESULTING IN CONVULSIONS (E.C.T.) A mental health treatment performed at institutions OHSU (Dr. Kevin Smith) and Kaiser Permanente (Dr. Walter Standridge). Resulting convulsions are strong enough to break bones. 70% of these treatments are done to women and in the state of Oregon can be done to children as young as twelve. E.C.T. can result in permanent extensive long term memory loss, short term memory loss, cognitive problems, and loss of talents. It is a billion dollar industry for insurance providers and likewise in research grants to participating facilities. It is a treatment of convenience, is “cost-effective”, and the FDA has “never required pre-market approval to affirmatively demonstrate a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.” Many E.C.T. survivors feel it is abusive in nature and often report feeling violated to the core of their psyche. In retrospect many survivors often state the results of E.C.T. has only added to their initial problems. (For the work of David Oaks at Mind Freedom)
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Wageni ni baraka is a Swahili proverb that means “guests are a blessing.” That’s not always true, of course. Sometimes guests can be a boring inconvenience or a messy burden. But for you in the coming weeks, Aries, I’m guessing the proverb will be 98 percent correct. The souls who come calling are likely to bestow unusually fine benefits. They may provide useful clues or missing links you’ve been searching for. They might inspire you to see things about yourself that you really need to know, and they might even give you shiny new playthings. Open your mind and heart to the unexpected blessings.
by the buffest 50-year-old South African woman I’ve ever met, bowed to a room full of applause, and watched two of my favorite men slow dance together to Josephine Baker singing in French.” I suspect that you Libras will be having days like that in the coming week: packed with poetic adventures. Are you ready to handle more than the usual amount of stimulation and excitement?
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “I feel my fate in what I cannot fear,” said Theodore Roethke in his poem “The Waking.” I invite you to try out that perspective, Taurus. In other words, learn more about your destiny by doing what makes you feel brave. Head in the direction of adventures that clear your mind of its clutter and mobilize your gutsy brilliance. Put your trust in dreams that inspire you to sweep aside distracting worries.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, called himself a Christian. But he also acknowledged that there weren’t any other Christians like him. He said he belonged to a sect consisting of one person -- himself. While he admired the teachings of Jesus Christ, he had no use for the supernatural aspects of the stories told in the New Testament. So he created his own version of the Bible, using only those parts he agreed with. Now would be an excellent time for you to be inspired by Jefferson’s approach, Scorpio. Is there a set of ideas that appeals to you in some ways but not in others? Tailor it to your own special needs. Make it your own. Become a sect of one.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It’s the First Annual Blemish Appreciation Week -- for Geminis only. One of the best ways to observe this holiday is to not just tolerate the flaws and foibles of other people, but to also understand them and forgive them. Another excellent way to celebrate is to do the same for your own flaws and foibles: Applaud them for the interesting trouble they’ve caused and the rousing lessons they’ve taught. I may be joking a little about this, but I’m mostly serious. Be creative and uninhibited as you have fun with the human imperfections that normally drive you crazy.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Everyone is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day,” said writer Elbert Hubbard. “Wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” Judging from my personal experience, I’d say that five minutes is a lowball figure. My own daily rate is rarely less than half an hour. But the good news as far as you’re concerned, Sagittarius, is that in the coming weeks you might have many days when you’re not a damn fool for even five seconds. In fact, you may break your all-time records for levels of wild, pure wisdom. Make constructive use of your enhanced intelligence!
CANCER (June 21-July 22): When I turn my psychic vision in your direction, I see scenes of heavy rain and rising water, maybe even a flood. I’m pretty sure this has a metaphorical rather than literal significance. It probably means you will be inundated with more feelings than you’ve experienced in a while. Not bad or out-of-control feelings; just deep and enigmatic and brimming with nuance. How to respond? First, announce to the universe that you will be glad and grateful to accept this deluge. Second, go with the flow, not against it. Third, promise yourself not to come to premature conclusions about the meaning of these feelings; let them evolve.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Most humans have an absolute and infinite capacity for taking things for granted,” said Aldous Huxley. If that’s true, Capricorn, it’s important that you NOT act like a normal human in the next few weeks. Taking things for granted would be a laziness you can’t afford to indulge. In fact, I think you should renew your passion for and commitment to all your familiar pleasures and fundamental supports. Are you fully aware of the everyday miracles that allow you to thrive? Express your appreciation for the sources that nourish you so reliably.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “I want to know more about you” may be the most potent sentence you can utter in the coming week. If spoken with sincere curiosity, it will awaken dormant synergies. It will disarm people who might otherwise become adversaries. It will make you smarter and work as a magic spell that gives you access to useful information you wouldn’t be able to crack open with any other method. To begin the process of imbuing your subconscious mind with its incantatory power, say “I want to know more about you” aloud ten times right now. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): My hotel was nice but the neighborhood where it was located seemed sketchy. As I returned to my room after a jaunt to the convenience store, I received inquiries from two colorfully-dressed hookers whose sales pitches were enticingly lyrical. I also passed a lively man who proposed that I purchase some of his top-grade meth, crack, or heroin. I thanked them all for their thoughtful invitations but said I wasn’t in the mood. Then I slipped back into my hotel room to dine on my strawberry smoothie and blueberry muffin as I watched HBO. My experience could have something in common with your immediate future, Virgo. I suspect you may be tempted with offers that seem exotic and adventurous but are not really that good for you. Stick to the healthy basics, please. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A West Coast DJ named Shakti Bliss wrote a remarkable status update on her Facebook page. Here’s an edited excerpt: “In the past 24 hours, I did yoga in a bathtub, hauled furniture by myself in the rain, got expert dating advice from an 11-year-old, learned the lindy hop, saw a rainbow over the ocean, had thrift store clothes stolen out of my car by a homeless man, made a magic protection amulet out of a piece of cardboard, was fed quinoa soup
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Poet Jacob Nibengenesabe was a member of the Swampy Cree, a First Nation tribe in Canada. He wrote shamanic poems from the point of view of a magical trickster who could change himself into various creatures. In one poem, the shapeshifter talked about how important it is to be definite about what he wanted. “There was a storm once,” he said. “That’s when I wished myself / to be a turtle / but I meant on land! / The one that carries a hard tent / on his back. / I didn’t want to be floating!” By the end of the poem, the shapeshifter concluded, “I’ve got to wish things exactly! / That’s the way it is / from now on.” I hope that will be the way it is from now on for you, too, Aquarius. Visualize your desires in intricate, exact detail. For example, if you want to be a bird for a while, specify what kind. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): As you sleep, you have at least a thousand dreams every year. But if you’re typical, you may recall only a few of them. Doesn’t that bother you? To be so ignorant of the stories your subconscious mind works so hard to craft? To be out of touch with what the Iroquois call “the secret wishes of your soul”? Now is an excellent time to develop a stronger relationship with your dreams, Pisces. It’s high time to explore the deeper strata of your life’s big mysteries.
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Adoring couple, TV Executive & News Producer yearn to LOVE & CHERISH your baby. Expenses paid 1-800-844-1670 *JB&Amy*
MISCELLANEOUS PSALMS - 1
Blessed is the Man that walks NOT in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands [in support of ] the Way of Sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the LAW [Commandments] of the Lord; And in HIS Law does he meditate day and night. Therefore, he shall be like a Tree planted by the Waters, that brings forth fruit in his Season; his leaf shall not wither - and whatsoever he does shall prosper. Yet the ungodly are NOT so! But are like the chaff, which is scattered by the Wind. For the ungodly shall NOT stand in the Day of Judgment - nor Sinners in the Congregation of the Righteous. As the Lord knows [and helps] the Way of the Righteous; But the Way of the ungodly shall cause him to Perish! (Psalms 1:1-6) For a just Man may fall seven times, yet [with the Lord’s Help] he shall rise again! But the wicked shall fall into mischief [and not be found again] (Proverbs 24:16) chapel@gorge.net
Oregon CMA 24 hour Hot-line Number: 503-895-1311. We are here to help you! Information, support, safe & confidential!
MOTOR GENERAL “Atomic Auto New School Technology, Old School Service” www.atomicauto.biz mention you saw this ad in WW and receive 10% off for your 1st visit!
AUTOS WANTED
PETS
503-245-4397. Free Estimate. Affordable, Reliable. Insured/Bonded. CCB#121381
LANDSCAPING Bernhard’s Professional MaintenanceComplete yard care, 20 years. 503-515-9803. Licensed and Insured.
TREE SERVICES Steve Greenberg Tree Service
Pruning and removals, stump grinding. 24-hour emergency service. Licensed/ Insured. CCB#67024. Free estimates. 503-284-2077
Theory Performance. All levels. Portland 503-227-6557 and 503-735-5953.
EVENTS
Nrityotsava
An evening of Indian Classical and Folk Dances
Featuring Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathak, and Folk Dance Performances from the Greater Portland Area
Evans Auditorium - Lewis & Clark College 615 SW Palatine Hill Road • Portland Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 4:00 PM A Benefit Program for Kalakendra (Tickets $15.00 for everyone including members) Admission free for Friends of Kalakendra www.kalakendra.org
Christopher Alley (Grimm) Speaks about shooting Haley Isleib’s short for FilmLab, Willamette Writers SW 11th & Clay 7:00pm Tue 2/5 $10 503-305-6729 www.willamettewriters.com
HANDYPERSON MILLS HANDYMAN AND REMODELING
CLASSICAL PIANO/ KEYBOARD
Presents
CLEANING
CASH FOR CARS: Any Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3808 www.cash4car.com (AAN CAN)
LESSONS
Homework Talk about how you infused your spiritual path with eros and humor. Go to Freewillastrology.com; click on “Email Rob.”
SUPPORT GROUPS
My name is Nora and I am the most special girl in the world! You may not believe me but I am the most rare mutt you’ll ever find - half pitty half piggy! In addition to being insanely adorable and smoochable I am also crate trained, great on the leash and the ultimate party pleaser. I will love you forever and I will keep you doubled over with laughter and joy! I am living at the Pixie Project so please contact the ladies there if you would like to meet me and give me a snuggle. I do get a little too excited about kitties so I need a feline free home. I have lots of doggie friends I love to play with at Pixie but for my forever family I would love a doggie brother or to be the only pooch. I will be spayed with my adoption. I am vaccinated and microchipped. I am also .... totally awesome =-)
503-542-3432 • 510 NE MLK Blvd
pixieproject.org
RENTALS ROOMMATE SERVICES ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM. Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: www.Roommates.com. (AAN CAN)
REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE 20 ACRES FREE
Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/ month. Money back gaurentee. NO CREDIT CHECKS. Beautiful views. Roads/surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.SunsetRanches.com (AAN CAN)
CALL TO LIST YOUR PROPRTY 503-445-3647 or 503-445-2757
WillametteWeek Classifieds JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
45
TO PLACE AN AD CONTACT:
CHATLINES The largest LOCAL chatline..FREE to TRY!
FREE to participate in the member FORUMS. UNLIMITED LIVE CHAT $19/week Free call 503-222-CHAT • 360-696-5253 www.LiveMatch.com
ASHLEE HORTON
503-445-3647 • ahorton@wweek.com
CORIN KUPPLER
503-445-2757 • ckuppler@wweek.com
JONESIN’ by Matt Jones 66 Crosses (a river) 67 One of seven: abbr. 68 A few extra pounds 69 Pecan and walnut 70 Torn of “Men in Black” 71 It follows either word in the four long answers Down 1 Apple on a desk 2 Short name for Boone or Webster 3 Query to Brutus 4 Average fool 5 Things out of reach? 6 Neapolitan layer, for short 7 Laurie on “House” 8 “I just remembered...” 9 Detoxifying place 10 Top vs. bottom-seed shutouts, for instance 11 Low choral part 12 Grizzly’s hangout 13 Destroyed a destroyer 18 Actress/model/ socialite ___ Hearst-Shaw 21 Griff and D’s Public Enemy cohort 25 Recording studio sign 26 Silent killer? 27 Turn of phrase 28 Peace conference events 30 Liberty’s org. 31 Reasons for insoles 33 Mazda model 34 “Garfield: ___ of Two Kitties” 35 School for French students 37 She portrayed Kahlo 38 Thanksgiving items 40 Biker’s exit line
44 Go berserk 45 Date on some food packaging 49 The back, in medical textbooks 51 Weapon often seen on “24” 53 Nest residents 54 Nutty 55 Composer Stravinsky
56 Shrek, e.g. 58 Spittoon noise 59 Org. for seniors 60 “On & On” singer Erykah 61 MIT grad, maybe 62 Hazard for a hull 64 Ending for heir or host
last week’s answers
Across 1 That is, to Nero 6 “All-American Girl” Margaret 9 Elite U.S. Navy squad 14 It’s struck from a book 15 “Whadja say?” 16 2005 “Survivor” locale 17 Big book of stories 19 Sean of the “Lord of the Rings” series 20 He’s always dropping dishes? 22 Peppermint Pattie brand 23 Gargantuan Brit. lexicon 24 Uneventful 26 Nick at ___ 29 “Sands of ___ Jima” 32 Komodo dragon or Tasmanian devil 36 Ore-___ (tater tots brand) 37 Bedroom area that’s useful to have around? 39 ___ Wafers 41 Constrictive critter 42 Sci-fi author Asimov 43 He has a corny sense of humor? 46 Deadlock 47 Dutch beer 48 ID-assigning org. 49 Chip’s pal 50 “The Kids in the Hall” bit 52 Blue ball on the table 54 Fashion legend Christian 57 Guy who trimmed Dad’s beard? 63 Texas A&M athlete 65 Doesn’t lose it
“It Takes a Village”–feeling a little blue?
©2012 Jonesin’ Crosswords (editor@jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #JONZ608.
Located Downtown
18 and over
Strip Club Hot Lap Dance Club Featuring Jordan
BUSINESS HOURS ARE 46
WillametteWeek Classifieds JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
324 sw 3rd ave • 503.274.1900
6PM TO SUNRISE
JOBS
503-445-3647 • ahorton@wweek.com
Pacific NW-based and family-owned McMenamins Hotels, Pubs & Breweries
CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS
Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 877-492-3059 (AAN CAN)
GENERAL
Is seeking an Executive Chef for the Hotel Oregon in McMinnville, halfway between Portland and the coast in the Yamhill Valley. This historic hotel was built in 1905 in the heart of what is widely considered one of the best wineproducing regions in the United States, encompassing 290 wineries within six different AVAs. The property was opened by McMenamins in 1999 as a charming destination for wine country visitors and offers 42 guestrooms, a restaurant and three bars, including a rooftop bar five stories up which also has a small herb garden for the chef’s use. Along with the restaurant duties, the chef will collaborate with sales & catering (weddings, corporate meetings, etc.); special events (wine dinners with regional vineyards, property-wide celebrations, etc.); and the corporate food department (holiday brunches, weekly food specials, etc.).
www.ExtrasOnly.com 503.227.1098 Help Wanted!
Make extra money in our free ever popular homemailer program, includes valuable guidebook! Start Immediately! Genuine! 1-888-292-1120 www.howtowork-fromhome.com (AAN CAN)
Help Wanted!!
Paid In Advanced! Make $1000 A WEEK mailing brochures from home! FREE Supplies! Helping Home-Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity! No experience required. Start Immediately! www.mailingcentral.net (AAN CAN)
Live like a popstar.
Now hiring 10 spontaneous individuals. Travel full time. Must be 18+. Transportation and hotel provided. Call Loraine 877-777-2091
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES $$$HELP WANTED$$$ Extra Income! Assembling CD cases from Home! No Experience Necessary! Call our Live Operators Now! 1-800-405-7619 EXT 2450 www.easywork-greatpay.com (AAN CAN)
ACTIVISM
Qualified applicants must have previous kitchen management experience in a casual- and fine-dining environment; an appreciation for local, organic ingredients; experience in menu and recipe development; ability to maintain and develop relationships with local vendors for seasonal menus and specials; people and food product management experience; and supervisory experience in a high-volume kitchen. The candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays. Please submit resumé to: Human Resources, 430 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97217 or fax to (503) 221-8749. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 8, 2013. No phone calls, please. E.O.E
MCMENAMINS GRAND LODGE In Forest Grove is now hiring a LMT! Qualified apps must have an open & flex sched including, days, eves, wknds and holidays. We are looking for applicants who have prev exp and enjoy working in a busy customer service-oriented enviro. Please apply online 24/7 at www.mcmenamins.com or pick up a paper app at any McMenamins location. Mail to 430 N. Killingsworth, Portland OR, 97217 or fax: 503-221-8749. Call 503-952-0598 for info on other ways to apply. Please no phone calls or emails to individ locs! E.O.E.
CORIN KUPPLER
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES MONEY and SUCCESS can be yours! Success and money secrets of the world’s oldest secret societies finally revealed! For a FREE CD please call 866-992-7646. AAN CAN
MUSICIANS MARKET FOR FREE ADS in 'Musicians Wanted,' 'Musicians Available' & 'Instruments for Sale' go to portland.backpage.com and submit ads online. Ads taken over the phone in these categories cost $5.
INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
503-445-2757 • ckuppler@wweek.com
BACK COVER CONTINUED... TO PLACE AN AD ON BACK COVER CONTINUED call 503-445-3647 or 503-445-2757
Locally Owned & Operated Since 2001
Fresh, local produce, from area farms
Convenient & Flexible, Pay as you go, Lots of options, home/office delivery 503-236-6496 • 2030 N. Williams
TRADEUPMUSIC.COM
Buying, selling, instruments of every shape and size. Open 11am-7pm every day. 4701 SE Division & 1834 NE Alberta.
organicstoyou.org Open Sundays till 5pm!
MUSIC LESSONS GUITAR LESSONS Personalized instruction for over 15yrs. Adults & children. Beginner through advanced. www.danielnoland.com 503-546-3137 Learn Jazz & Blues Piano with local Grammy winner Peter Boe. 503-274-8727.
STUFF
• Your Safe Access Resource Center • Premium source for resource • No membership fee
Mon-Sat 10:30am to 6pm
S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.
S.E. Division St.
Sunday 11:30am to 5pm
S.E. 37th Ave.
ASHLEE HORTON
S.E. 36th Ave.
TO PLACE AN AD CONTACT:
S
S.E. Powell Blvd.
3609 SE Division St. Portland, OR
FURNITURE ww presents
BEDTIME
TWINS
MATTRESS
79
$
COMPANY
FULL $ 89
QUEEN
(503)
760-1598
I M A D E T HIS
109
$
7353 SE 92nd Ave Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 10-2
Custom Sizes » Made To Order Financing Available
ACTIVISM Fight Hate Groups. Teach Tolerance. Seek Justice. Work with Grassroots Campaigns on behalf of the nation’s leading organization on monitoring and fighting hate groups.
Earn $360 - $550/week • Full-time/ part-time/ Career.
“Mt. Hood Collage” by Katie Pippel For sale privately,
$500
KatiePippel@gmail.com
space sponsored by
Call Alex at 503 232 5326 or Apply online at
www.grassrootscampaigns.com
Submit your art to be featured in Willamette Week’s I Made This. For submission guidelines go to wweek.com/imadethis
WillametteWeek Classifieds JANUARY 30, 2013 wweek.com
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BACK COVER
TO ADVERTISE ON WILLAMETTE WEEK’S BACK COVER CALL 445-1170 Bankruptcy Attorney Mary Jane’s It’s not too late to eliminate debt, protect HOT GAY LOCALS House of Glass assets, start over. Experienced, Send Messages FREE! 503-299-9911 Use FREE Code 5974, 18+
compassionate, top-quality service. Christopher Kane, 503-380-7822 www.ckanelaw.com
AA HYDROPONICS
9966 SW Arctic Drive, Beaverton 9220 SE Stark Street, Portland American Agriculture • americanag.com PDX 503-256-2400 BVT 503-641-3500
Improvisation Classes Now enrolling. Beginners Welcome! Brody Theater 503-224-2227 www.brodytheater.com
Glass Pipes, Vaporizers, Incense, Candles. 10% discount for new OMA Card holders! 1425 NW 23rd, Ptld. 503-841-5751 7219 NE Hwy 99, Vanc. 360-735-5913
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Our nonprofit clinic’s doctors will help. The Hemp & Cannabis Foundation. www.thc-foundation.org 503-281-5100
Anita Manishan Bankruptcy Attorney
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE. DEBT RELIEF AGENCY. www.nwbankruptcy.com FREE CONSULTATIONS, 503-242-1162
Willamette Week’s
Area 69
7720 SE 82nd Ave Adult Movies, Video Arcade and PIPES! New Variety of Kratom pills 503-774-5544
ATTORNEY – MEDICAL TOURISM
Providing legal services and consultation to individuals considering traveling abroad for health care services. William E. Braun 503.997.2702 braunlaw1@gmail.com
a mobile eatery-themed scavanger hunt and urban footrace.
go to wweek.com/promotions to sign up
THE Â JOYS Â OF Â TOYS! Â / Â WED, Â FEB Â 6TH Â Â 7:30 Â -Â Â $15 DIY Â PORN Â WITH Â MADISON Â YOUNG Â / Â THURS, Â FEB Â 21ST Â 7:30 Â -Â Â $20 GETTING Â THE Â SEX Â YOU Â WANT Â WITH Â REID Â MIHALKO Â & Â ALLISON Â MOON Â / Â TUES, Â FEB Â 26TH Â 7:30 Â -Â Â $20 THE Â ULTIMATE Â GUIDE Â TO Â PROSTATE Â PLEASURE Â / Â THURS, Â FEB Â 28TH Â 7:30 Â -Â Â $20
SHEBOPTHESHOP.COM 909 N BEECH STREET, HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI DISTRICT 503-473-8018 SU-TH 11–7, FR–SA 11–8
ATTORNEYBANKRUPTCY
20% Off Any Smoking Apparatus With This Ad! BUY LOCAL, BUY AMERICAN, BUY MARY JANES
$100-$2000 no title required ,free removal call Jeff 503-501-0711 jms300zx@yahoo.com
Glass Pipes, Vaporizers, Incense & Candles
7219 NE Hwy. 99, Suite 109
CDPDX
Vancouver, WA 98665
The Best For CD + DVD Duplication. 503-228-2222 • www.cdpdx.com
Depression and Anxiety Support Groups www.healingfromdepression.com douglasbloch@gmail.com
FEELING TRIBAL?
(360) 735-5913 212 N.E. 164th #19 Vancouver, WA 98684
(360) 514-8494
WWEEKDOTCOM
SNOWBOARD
win prizes for best costume, team name & more!
55
Qigong Classes
6913 E. Fourth Plain Vancouver, WA 98661
8312 E. Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98664
1156 Commerce Ave Longview Wa 98632
(360) 695-7773 (360) 577-4204 Not valid with any other offer
BACK COVER CONTINUED
(360) 213-1011
1825 E Street
Washougal, WA 98671
(360) 844-5779
North West Hydroponic R&R
We Buy, Sell, & Trade New & Used Hydroponic Equipment. 503-747-3624
WWEEKDOTCOM
Cultivate health and energy www.nwfighting.com or 503-740-2666
Evening outpatient treatment program with suboxone. CRCHealth/Dr. Jim Thayer, Addiction Medicine www.belmont.crchealth.com 503-505-4979
REVIVED CELLULAR Sell us your Old Smartphone Or Cellphones Today! Buy/Sell/Repair. 7816 N. Interstate 503-286-1527 www.revivedcellular.com
Oregon Wage Claim Attorneys
Helping Oregon employees collect wages! SuperDigital The Recording Store. Pro Audio. CD/DVD Free consultation! Duplication. www.superdigital.com 503-228-2222 Schuck Law (503) 974-6142 (360) 566-9243 TaiChi http://wageclaim.org Enhance awareness via moving meditation www.nwfighting.com or 503-740-2666 Poppi’s Pipes PIPES, SCALES, SHISHA, GRINDERS, KRATOM, VAPORIZERS, HOOKAHS, DETOX, ETC. 1712 E. Burnside 503-206-7731 3619 SE Division 971-229-1760 OPEN: Mon.-Sat.10am-9pm www.poppispipes.com
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Card Services Clinic
CLOSEOUT
Snowboard gear 20-50% off New Surfboards SUPs and Wetsuits arriving daily
7400 SW Macadam Ave, Portland
gorgeperformance.com
1425 NW 23rd Portland, OR 97210 (503) 841-5751
SEE MORE INSIDE
COME JOIN US POLYAMORY CIRLCE CALL LAURY 503-285-4848
SALE
RED F E AT U L U D E IN C S C A RTS N D W IC H E A S B IG -A* * V O U R S P O T L IL A R L F EES G ED CH G R IL L I F U S IO N N KO M P IO S O CHA P O TAT F R IE D P IE F IE S W H IF
Opiate Treatment Program
Get a Fresh Start this New Year! FREE Consultation! Payment Plans. Call 503-808-9032 Attorney Scott Hutchinson www.Hutchinson-Law.com
$BUYING JUNK CARS$
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23
A FEMALE FRIENDLY SEX TOY BOUTIQUE
tel 503-246-6646
New Downtown Location! 1501 SW Broadway www.mellowmood.com
503-384-WEED (9333) www.mmcsclinic.com
4911 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland
1332 NE Broadway · 503.282.1214 · elmersflag.com
4119 SE Hawthorne, Portland ph: 503-235-PIPE (7473)